Getting the right number of death certificates helps you handle important tasks after a loss. Most families need several official copies to manage finances, benefits, and property changes.

Planning ahead prevents delays and extra fees. It’s easier to get the right number of copies up front than to request more later.

This guide answers common questions about how many death certificates you need and how to get them.

Need help with paperwork after a loss? The team at After is here 24/7 to walk you through death certificate requests and more. Call us anytime at 1-844-717-5170.

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Why You Need Death Certificates

You need death certificates to manage your loved one’s affairs. Without them, you cannot access life insurance, close bank accounts, or transfer property. Every organization that handles legal or financial matters will ask for certified proof of death.

This includes banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.

What Is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official government document that confirms someone has passed away. It includes the person’s name, date of death, place of death, and cause of death.

The original stays on file with the local or state vital records office. You issue certified copies to help you take care of legal and financial matters. These copies act as your official proof when handling your loved one’s affairs.

Legal, Financial, and Logistical Uses

You need death certificates to settle an estate. You will need them to claim life insurance, transfer financial accounts, and update property ownership.

Government agencies also require them to stop Social Security, veterans benefits, and pension payments. You may need copies to file taxes and close utility or subscription accounts.

Most major financial steps require certified proof of death. In some cases, institutions may accept other legal documents, like affidavits or court papers, depending on the account type and state law.

Banks, insurance companies, and property offices usually need certified death certificates to move forward. Some exceptions exist, such as Payable-on-Death accounts or when institutions already have official notice of death.

Why Official Certified Copies Are Necessary

Most institutions require certified copies with an official seal and signature. Scanned versions or photocopies are not accepted for legal or financial matters.

Certified copies confirm the document is real. The raised seal and signature show that the state’s vital records office issued it, and that it was not printed or copied at home.

Keep in mind that organizations usually keep the certified copy you give them. You will need a separate copy for each place that requests one.

How Many Death Certificates Does the Average Person Need?

Most families need between 5 and 12 certified death certificate copies. The exact number depends on how many banks, insurance policies, and properties are involved.

General Recommendations: How Many Is Enough?

Experts suggest ordering 5 to 12 certified copies is enough in most cases. Ordering more gives you a buffer in case of loss, damage, or unexpected requests during the estate process.

If your loved one had a small estate with few accounts, 5 copies may be enough. If they had multiple assets or worked with several institutions, plan for 12 or more.

Factors to Consider

The number of copies you need depends on your loved one's financial situation. Consider these factors:

• Number of banks and financial accounts: Each institution typically needs its own copy.
• Life insurance policies or retirement accounts: Every policy and account requires separate documentation.
• Real estate ownership: Properties in different states or counties need individual copies.
• Stocks, bonds, or business interests: Investment accounts and business partnerships each need copies.

Utilities, memberships, and subscriptions: Service providers often require copies to close accounts.

Are Death Certificates Free?

Death certificates aren't free in most situations. Some funeral or cremation packages include a few copies in their services, but additional copies always cost money.

Certificate costs vary significantly by state, ranging from $5 to $34 per copy. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Most affordable states:

• New Mexico: $5 per copy
• Florida and Kentucky: $6 per copy
• Louisiana: $7.50 per copy
• Indiana: $8 per copy

Most expensive states:

• Michigan: $34 per copy
• Massachusetts: $32 per copy
• Alaska, New York, North Carolina, and Utah: $30 per copy

The average cost across most states is from $15 to $25 per copy. States like Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin charge $20 per copy.

Rush service costs extra when available. Only six states offer rush processing: Florida ($16 rush fee), Idaho ($26), Massachusetts ($74), Michigan ($46), Minnesota ($33), and Texas ($25).

Ordering multiple copies upfront saves money and time. You'll avoid repeated processing fees and multiple trips to vital records offices.

Some states charge the same fee for each copy. Others use tiered pricing, where the first copy costs more and each additional copy costs less if you order them at the same time.

What Do You Use Death Certificate Copies For?

Use death certificate copies for unlocking access to your loved one's financial accounts, insurance benefits, and property. Each bank, insurance company, and government agency typically requires its own certified copy.

Knowing exactly where you'll use copies of death certificates can help you order the appropriate number.

Banks and Financial Accounts

Banks require certified death certificates for closing or transferring accounts. This includes checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and safety deposit boxes.

Each financial institution needs its own certified copy. If your loved one had accounts at three different banks, you'll need three separate death certificates.

Investment firms and brokerage accounts follow the same rule. Every company handling your loved one's money requires official documentation.

Life Insurance Claims

Life insurance companies need certified death certificates for each claim. If your loved one had multiple policies with different providers, you'll need separate copies for each insurance company.

Group life insurance through employers also requires certified copies. Don't forget to check if your loved one had coverage through work or professional associations.

Social Security and Government Agencies

The Social Security Administration requires official notification of death to stop benefit payments and process survivor benefits. The Veterans Administration needs copies for military benefit claims.

Medicare, Medicaid, and state disability offices each need certified copies to update their records. Pension administrators from government or private employers also require official documentation.

Real Estate Transfers

Property transfers require certified death certificates for updating deeds or selling real estate. Each county where your loved one owned property may need its own certified copy.

Out-of-state properties often require separate copies if local authorities need documentation. Mobile homes, timeshares, and vacation properties all need individual attention.

Utility and Service Cancellations

Utility companies request certified copies to close accounts or transfer services to surviving family members. This includes electric, gas, water, internet, and cable providers.

Cell phone companies and subscription services often accept photocopies, but certified copies ensure faster processing and avoid delays.

Probate Court

Probate courts require certified death certificates to begin estate administration. Complex estates may need additional copies for multiple counties or legal proceedings.

Situations That May Require More Copies

Some families need 12 to 15 certified death certificates or more. Planning for these situations early can help you avoid delays during the estate process.

Out-of-State Property

If your loved one owned property in more than one state, you may need a certified copy for each location. Local authorities often have different rules, so what works in one county may not work in another.

If your loved one owned real estate in three states, you might need separate documentation for each location.

Large or Complex Estates

Estates with many assets or unclear ownership usually require more documentation. You may need separate copies for:

• Multiple investment accounts
• Business partnerships or commercial properties
• Disputed or jointly owned assets

Business Ownership or Multiple Retirement Accounts

People with multiple jobs or business interests often have accounts across different firms. Each account, broker, or institution typically requires its own certified copy.

LLCs, partnerships, and commercial holdings may need certified death certificates to process ownership transfers or close accounts.

Legal Disputes or Pending Claims

If the estate involves legal action or contested claims, expect to use more copies. Lawsuits, insurance disputes, or probate court proceedings may each require separate documentation.

Attorneys, courts, and third parties often keep the copies they receive. Order extras upfront if you anticipate legal complications.

How to Order Additional Death Certificates Later

You can order more death certificates within the first year after someone passes away. Only close family members, such as a spouse, children, or siblings, can usually request certified copies right after someone passes away.

In many states, death certificates become public record after 25 years or more, and anyone can request them at that point.

Processing times vary by state. Some requests take a few days, while others may take several weeks. Knowing who can order and where to submit your request helps avoid delays.

Who Can Order Them

Only specific people can request certified death certificates. This includes:

• Immediate family members
• Next of kin
• Legal representatives and estate executors
• Attorneys managing estate matters
• Business partners with a legal interest in the estate

You will need to show proof of identity and your relationship to the deceased. Some states require extra documentation, such as legal or estate paperwork.

Where to Request

You must request additional copies from the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. Each state has its own process.

Many states offer online ordering through services like VitalChek or official government websites. These platforms allow secure payment and mail delivery.

If you are working with After, your Care Specialist can manage this process for you. We help coordinate the request and keep you informed about timing and delivery.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate?

It takes most families a few weeks to receive their first certified copies after they register the death. Timing varies by state, county, and whether you order through a funeral home or directly.

Additional copies often process within days if requested through the original issuing office. States with online systems typically process requests faster than mail-in forms.

Most families receive death certificates within 2 to 4 weeks when we handle the ordering process. Before we can place orders, we need completed paperwork, payment, and authorization from the county where the passing occurred.

Expedited service costs extra but reduces waiting time. Many states offer rush delivery for additional fees if you need copies urgently.

Cost varies by state, typically $5 to $25 per additional copy. Online orders sometimes include convenience fees, but they often process faster than traditional methods.

Tips for Managing Copies (Physical vs. Certified Digital)

Staying organized helps you avoid delays and confusion. Most institutions require physical certified copies with raised seals. Scanned versions or photocopies are usually not accepted for legal or financial matters.

Set up a simple tracking system to keep track of where each copy goes. This ensures you know what’s been submitted and what is still pending.

Physical Certified Copies vs. Digital Versions

Most banks, insurance companies, and government offices need certified physical copies with raised seals. Store these in a safe place since replacing them can take time.

You can create digital scans or photocopies for personal records. These may help with utility cancellations or informal paperwork, but they are not accepted for legal transfers or financial actions.

Notarized Copies

Some companies accept notarized photocopies if certified copies are not available. This may apply to utility providers, subscription services, or smaller organizations.

However, notarized copies are not valid substitutes for official state-issued documents in most legal situations. Financial institutions and government agencies typically require the original certified version.

Tracking Submissions

Use a spreadsheet or notebook to record each certified copy you submit. Track the organization, submission date, and reason for each copy. Most institutions do not return certified copies. Plan for each copy you send to become part of their permanent record.

Tracking submissions helps prevent duplicates and lets you follow up on any delays.

Plan Ahead with Confidence. We'll Handle the Paperwork

Dealing with copies of death certificates and paperwork shouldn't add stress during your time of grief. At After, we understand families need support with administrative tasks during difficult times.

How After Streamlines the Process

After handles death certificate ordering as part of our cremation services. We work directly with state vital records offices to ensure you receive the right number of certified copies when you need them.

Your dedicated Care Specialist determines how many certificates you'll need based on your loved one's specific situation. We complete required paperwork correctly and process orders with state agencies.

We guide families through requesting certified certificates and submitting them where needed. Our team helps manage ongoing paperwork, saving time and stress during difficult moments.

Support for Immediate Needs and Planning

Along with the question of “How many death certificates do I need?” you might wonder where to find reliable cremation services.

After provides direct cremation with no hidden fees and transparent support. We help organize, track, and store vital documents throughout the process. Visit our website or call our 24/7 team at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need for Probate?

You need at least one certified copy of a death certificate to begin estate administration for probate courts. Complex estates may need more copies for multiple counties or legal proceedings involving different institutions.

Do Utility Companies Need Death Certificates?

Many utility companies need copies of death certificates to close accounts or transfer services. Some accept photocopies, but certified copies ensure faster processing. Always check each provider's specific policy.

Can I Make Copies of a Death Certificate Myself?

You can photocopy certified copies of a death certificate for unofficial record-keeping purposes. However, only official certified copies work for legal and business transactions. Making altered or fake copies is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Who Keeps the Original Death Certificate?

The state vital records office keeps the original death certificate on file permanently. When someone passes away, the attending physician or medical examiner completes the death certificate and files it with the local or state government.

Families receive certified copies, not the original document. These certified copies carry official seals and signatures that make them legally equivalent to the original for all practical purposes.

Who Can Legally Request a Death Certificate?

In most states, only close family members can legally request a death certificate. This includes a spouse, children, or siblings. You’ll need identification and proof of your relationship. After 25 years or more, death certificates often become public record, and anyone can request a copy.

Can I Order Death Certificates Online?

You can order death certificates online. Most states and recognized platforms like VitalChek allow you to securely order official death certificate copies. Online requests often process faster than mail-in forms.

Do Banks Return Death Certificates After Processing?

Some banks return death certificates after processing. But many organizations might keep certified copies for their records. Some may return them after verification, but policies vary by institution. Plan to provide separate copies for each institution.

Does After Help with Ordering Death Certificates?

After assists in requesting, tracking, and securely delivering certified death certificates as part of our cremation planning and estate support services. Your Care Specialist handles the entire process and keeps you updated throughout.

Ready to learn more about After's services? Visit our website to explore our transparent cremation packages, or call us anytime at 1-844-717-5170. We're here to guide you through every step with care and compassion.