Families face a whirlwind of practical tasks when a death occurs, even as they grieve. One of the first and most important documents they’ll hear about is the death certificate.

The challenge is that most people underestimate how many certified copies they’ll need. Plus, what do you need a death certificate for?

This guide helps answer all those questions and gives you a handy list of who needs death certificates.

Are you planning a cremation? Find out if After is the right path. Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Full List of Who Needs Death Certificates When Someone Dies

Different organizations will ask for death certificates to verify the loss and legally update their records. Here are the most frequent ones:

• Social Security Administration to stop payments and apply for survivor benefits.
• Banks and credit unions to close or transfer accounts.
• Insurance companies for life insurance, pensions, and annuities.
• Credit card companies to close accounts and file claims with the estate for any unpaid balances.
  
• Mortgage lenders or landlords settle contracts or leases.
• State and local agencies for handling taxes, property records, and vital records.
• Veterans Affairs for survivor and burial benefits.
• Employers or unions to release final pay, benefits, or pensions.

In short, nearly every financial, legal, or government body connected to the person’s life may need an official record.

What Is a Death Certificate, and Why Is It Important?

A death certificate is the government-issued legal record of a person’s death. It lists essential details such as name, date of death, cause of death, and identifying information. Without it, families cannot close accounts, claim benefits, or transfer property.

There are two types of copies:

• Certified copies: Official documents with a government seal that most organizations require.
• Informational copies: Often used for family records or genealogy, but not valid for legal or financial purposes

Because so many institutions require certified versions, families quickly realize this document is central to every step of wrapping up someone’s affairs.

How Many Death Certificates Will You Need?

Many families need between 10 and 15 certified copies of the death certificate. The exact number depends on how many accounts, policies, or assets they need to close or transfer.

Factors That Affect How Many You’ll Need

If you’re wondering: How many death certificates do I need? The answer depends on the following factors:

• Number of bank or credit accounts
• Life insurance or annuity policies
• Properties, vehicles, or business interests to transfer
• Government benefits to claim (Social Security, veterans’ benefits)
• Multiple financial institutions involved

Cost and Ordering Extras

Certified copies typically cost $10–$25 each, depending on the state. It may be convenient to order them through the funeral home.

You can also request more later from the county or state health department. Keep in mind that it can delay other processes if you order extra copies later.

Common Situations Where You Need Death Certificates

Here’s a quick look at what you do need a death certificate for, and where families almost always need a certified copy:

These are just the most common scenarios, some families find that additional agencies or companies may request copies throughout the process.

Why Do You Need Death Certificates?

It’s common to wonder: What are death certificates needed for? Death certificates act as the official proof that allows families to complete essential tasks. Here’s a practical checklist of where they come into play:

• Claim benefits: File for Social Security survivor benefits, claim pensions, or submit life insurance claims. Each policy or benefit program typically requires its own certified copy.
• Transfer property: Update the title to a house, car, or business interest. Every transfer usually requires a separate certificate.
• Settle financial accounts: Close or access bank accounts, investment portfolios, or retirement funds that were in the person’s name. Banks and financial firms often insist on original certified copies.
• Cancel services: End utility accounts, phone plans, internet, or subscription services. Many providers require a copy before they will close the account.
• Update government records: Notify the IRS, state tax agencies, and credit bureaus. This step prevents tax issues, avoids identity theft, and ensures official records are accurate.

Without these documents, families risk stalled benefits, accounts that stay open, and additional legal complications.

Who to Notify When Someone Dies: Checklist 

One of the first practical steps after a death is letting the right organizations know. Each one will usually require a certified death certificate before they close accounts, release benefits, or update records.

Use this checklist to stay organized and avoid delays:

• Notify government agencies: Contact the Social Security Administration, IRS, and your state’s tax office to stop benefits, return overpayments, and update official records.
• Alert financial institutions: Call banks, credit unions, lenders, and investment firms. Request account closures or transfers, and provide certified copies of the death certificate where required.
• Reach out to insurance and benefit providers: File claims with life insurance companies, pension plans, and retirement funds. Ask about survivor benefits and the documentation they need.
• Inform employers or unions: Request final paychecks, release of retirement accounts, and continuation or closure of workplace benefits.
• Cancel services: Contact utility providers, phone carriers, and internet companies. Provide proof of death so they can close accounts and stop billing.
• Notify credit bureaus: Report the death to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Each of these steps requires action early in the process. Have a certified death certificate ready for each notification to prevent delays.

How Families Can Order Death Certificates

Families usually obtain death certificates in one of three ways:

1. Through the funeral home
2. Directly from the county or state vital records office
3. Through a recognized online platform such as VitalChek

Funeral homes often handle the process for you, collecting details and submitting the request as part of their services. If you prefer, you can also go directly to the local health department in the county where the death takes place, or submit an online order through a state-approved provider.

To process the request, you’ll need to provide details such as the full legal name of the deceased, Social Security number, date and place of birth, date and place of death, marital status, surviving spouse’s name, and parents’ names.

They may also need occupation and industry information.

Some states can issue certificates within a few days, while others may take several weeks depending on demand and whether you request them in person, by mail, or online.

After Is Here to Help With Cremation Planning

We hope this list of who needs death certificates helps you with the next steps. There’s a lot that goes into funeral planning, from writing an obituary to deciding whether a cremation or burial best suits your needs. 

After provides families with simple and affordable cremation services. We offer direct cremation packages that include transportation, permits, and guidance for ordering death certificates.

Families who feel overwhelmed by paperwork or unsure about the list of who needs death certificates can turn to us for clear next steps.

Prepaid options allow people to plan ahead, while LilyPay financing helps manage costs.

Do you have questions about cremation planning or death certificates? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Photocopies Instead of Certified Copies?

No, you may not be able to use photocopies instead of certified copies. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies only process legal or financial matters when you provide original certified death certificates with an official seal or stamp. Photocopies, even notarized ones, don’t count as legal proof of death.

How Do I Order More Death Certificates Later?

You can order more death certificates later through your state or county vital records office. Some states also allow online ordering through platforms like VitalChek.

Does Social Security Need a Death Certificate?

Yes, Social Security needs a death certificate to stop benefits and process survivor claims. Funeral homes may report deaths directly, but families should still provide a certified copy.

Do Life Insurance Companies Require Certified Death Certificates?

Yes, life insurance companies require certified death certificates for every policy claim. Each policy typically needs its own certified copy before you pay benefits.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Additional Copies of Death Certificates?

The cost to get additional death certificates ranges from $10 to $25 per copy, depending on the state. Extra processing or mailing fees may also apply.

Who Can Legally Request a Death Certificate?

Immediate family members can legally request a death certificate in most states. Some states also allow legal representatives, executors, or those who request copies once there is documentation of their intent to do so.