Connecticut death certificate: how to get one

Connecticut death certificates are issued by town vital records offices and by the State Vital Records Office at the Department of Public Health. The town is usually faster. This guide covers who can order, where, the fee and how corrections work.

Who can order a Connecticut death certificate?

Anyone who is at least 18 can buy a certified copy of a Connecticut death certificate.

The one restriction is the Social Security number. Only the decedent's spouse or next of kin, and the funeral director, can get a copy that shows it, and they must provide proof of identity and of the relationship.

A veteran's spouse, child or parent can get one free copy, with valid photo ID, proof of relationship and veteran status shown on the certificate.

Which office holds the record: state, county or city?

Connecticut keeps vital records by town. You can order from:

• The vital records office of the town where the death occurred
• The town where the person lived at the time of death, for in-person requests
• The State Vital Records Office

The state says requests sent to town offices are generally processed more quickly.

How to order online, by mail or in person

• Town office: by mail or in person. Mail the town request form with a postal money order made payable to the city or town of death. Do not mail cash or personal checks.
• State office: by mail, with a money order payable to Treasurer, State of Connecticut. The state office does not accept credit cards or personal checks.
• Online: through VitalChek, which the state says is the only third-party vendor it has approved. Processing and shipping fees are added.

Forms are on the state's death certificates page.

Mail state requests on the state's death certificate request form (VS-39DST) to Connecticut Department of Public Health, State Vital Records Office, 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11VRS, Hartford, CT 06106.

Cost and processing time

Connecticut charges $20 per copy, at both town offices and the state office.

The state says processing at the State Vital Records Office varies and can take up to twelve weeks. It gives no figure for town offices beyond saying they are generally quicker.

How to correct or amend a Connecticut death certificate

The next of kin, or the informant, certifier, medical examiner or funeral director named on the certificate, can request a correction. Submit a notarized affidavit stating that the record is incorrect or incomplete, with supporting documentation, to the registrar of the town where the death took place. There is no processing fee for amendments or corrections.

What to do after you receive the certificate

Check the certificate against your records when it arrives, and confirm whether the organization you are sending it to needs the version showing the Social Security number. Keep certified copies safe.

Planning ahead with After

If this has you thinking about your own wishes, you can explore pre-planning options with After. Plan availability, providers and terms vary by state.

Frequently asked questions

Who is allowed to request a certified copy in Connecticut? Anyone 18 or older. Only a spouse or next of kin can get the copy showing the Social Security number.

Should I contact the state or the town? The town where the death occurred is generally faster.

How much does a copy cost? $20 per copy.

What if the death occurred in another state? Order from that state. See our death certificate ordering guide, or the guides for New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island (link when live).

Last reviewed: November 2026

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with the state or local office before filing.

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