When you lose a family member, you handle countless pieces of paperwork. Death certificates sit at the top of that list. If you’re wondering: Do death certificates have fingerprints? The answer is no.

Death certificates do not have fingerprints. These important papers list facts about the person's death, but they don't include fingerprints or other body marks.

This guide answers common questions about death certificates. Not sure if direct cremation with After fits your family's needs? We're here to talk through your options with honest guidance whenever you need it.

Call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Why Death Certificates Do Not Have Fingerprints

Death certificates do not have fingerprints because these documents focus on vital statistics and legal information rather than biometric identification. 

Government agencies use death certificates to:

• Update Social Security records
• Settle estates
• Transfer property titles
• Maintain public health statistics
  

None of those purposes requires fingerprint verification.

Many families are surprised when they learn that death certificates don't have fingerprints. They want to save this special and personal memory.

Each person's fingerprints are completely unique. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. This makes them a special way to remember someone after they're gone. 

While death certificates can't help with this, other places keep these fingerprints.

What Information Appears on Death Certificates?

Death certificates include information like the legal proof of death and specific details required by state and federal law. Each certificate includes: 

• The person's full name
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security number
• Date and place of death
• Cause of death
• The doctor's information
• Whether they had a burial, cremation, or other service

The papers also show the person's job, education, marital status, and parents' names. Some states add extra information like military service or if the death was related to pregnancy.

You won't find fingerprints, handprints, or any other body marks on the certificate.

Why Funeral Homes and Cremation Providers Take Fingerprints

Funeral homes and cremation providers may take fingerprints of people in their care. This helps families order memorial keepsakes later, sometimes months or even years after the loss.

Providers typically capture fingerprints using ink or digital scanning technology. At After, we include fingerprint preservation as part of our Summit package.

This option ensures families can access high-quality fingerprint images. Use these images to create jewelry, keepsakes, or family records. The digital format makes it simple to share prints with memorial product companies or preserve them in personal archives.

Where You Can Find a Loved One's Fingerprints

If you're looking for a family member's fingerprints, several places might have them. Start with the most recent organizations, then work backward through their life records.

For example, you can contact:

Funeral Home: Your first call should go to the funeral home or cremation provider. Ask them directly for a copy. Most will send digital files or ink prints for free. Have the person's full name and date of death ready to help them find the right records.

Military Records: All military members give fingerprints when they join. These stay in their files. Veterans' families can ask for copies through the National Personnel Records Center.

Veterans' families can request copies through the National Personnel Records Center. Still, consider that processing times vary.

Government records offer additional options:

• DMV records: Many states fingerprint drivers during license applications, particularly for commercial licenses or enhanced IDs. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with the decedent's license number.
• Professional licenses: Teachers, healthcare workers, real estate agents, and other licensed professionals often submit fingerprints for background checks. Licensing boards may provide copies to immediate family members.
• Notary records: If your loved one ever notarized a document, the notary public's records might include their fingerprint. Track down the notary through old real estate transactions, power of attorney documents, or business filings.
• Background check records: Employment with certain organizations requires fingerprinting. Human resources departments sometimes maintain these files.

Old documents sometimes preserve fingerprints too. Check vintage passports, military papers, immigration documents, or historical ID cards. 

These sources work well for older family members whose fingerprints might not be in computer databases.

What To Do If Fingerprints Aren't Available

Sometimes fingerprints don't exist in any records you can access. This situation is hard when a loss happens suddenly, when someone died far from home, or when many years have passed.

Not having fingerprints doesn't mean you can't create meaningful memorials.

Try these options instead:

• Handwriting samples make beautiful jewelry engravings, especially signatures from cards or letters.
• Voice recordings, even short voicemail messages, can become soundwave art for necklaces or wall pieces.
• Photos can be put on pendants, ornaments, and other keepsakes.
• Some families hire artists to create custom pieces based on the person's interests or favorite places.

Using Fingerprints for Memorial Keepsakes

Once you get fingerprints, you can turn them into lasting tributes. Memorial jewelry companies engrave fingerprint patterns onto pendants, rings, bracelets, and charms. 

The detail shows every ridge and line, creating pieces so personal that touching the surface can feel like the person is still there.

Fingerprints also appear on ornaments, wall art, paperweights, and even guitar picks. Some families put prints into tattoos. Others frame and display prints next to photos.

When working with memorial companies, give them the highest quality image you can. 300 DPI or higher works best. Most companies take several file types (JPEG, PNG, PDF), but check their requirements first.

If you only have a physical ink print, scan it at high quality or take a photo in bright, even light against a different colored background.

Wait times vary by product and company, usually two to six weeks. Order during slower times (not during holidays or Mother's Day) for faster service. Many companies offer rush services for extra money if you need something quickly.

Plan a Direct Cremation With After

Gaining insight into why death certificates do not have fingerprints is just one part of getting through this process with peace of mind. 

We know that sorting through records and keepsakes after a loss can feel overwhelming. That’s especially true when you’re trying to honor someone’s memory in a personal way. 

If you’re considering cremation, our team is here to help you understand every step, including what you can preserve and how to plan with confidence.

We’re available 24/7 to answer questions with honesty and zero pressure: 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Funeral Homes Keep Fingerprint Records?

Funeral homes and cremation providers typically keep fingerprint records for three to seven years. Policies vary by state and company. We store fingerprint files indefinitely for families who choose the Summit package.

Contact your provider directly to confirm their retention policy. Request copies sooner rather than later to avoid potential data loss.

Are Digital Fingerprints as Good as Ink Prints?

Yes, digital fingerprints are as good as (or better than) ink prints. Digital fingerprints often capture more detail than traditional ink prints. That’s because scanning technology eliminates smudging and pressure variations.

Memorial product companies accept both formats equally. What matters most is image resolution and clarity. If you have both options available, choose the digital file for its superior quality and easy sharing capabilities.

Do I Need Permission to Use Someone's Fingerprints for Memorial Jewelry?

You do not need permission to use someone’s fingerprints for memorial jewelry if you’re an immediate family member. This rule applies for spouses, children, parents, or siblings. Still, providers may require proof of relationship.

More distant relatives or friends should obtain permission from the next-of-kin first. Check with your cremation provider about their specific verification requirements.