When someone passes away, families face numerous administrative tasks during an already overwhelming time. Among the most critical documents you'll need to navigate is the death certificate.

This official government record serves as legal proof of death and allows access to financial accounts, insurance benefits, and estate settlement processes.

In this guide, we answer the question: What are death certificates used for? This will help you plan ahead and request the right number of copies.

Need help with death certificates? Not sure whether a cremation at 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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What Is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official government document that records the time, place, and cause of an individual's passing. Medical examiners, coroners, or attending physicians complete the medical portion, while funeral directors typically file the paperwork with state vital records offices.

Each death certificate includes critical information: the decedent's full legal name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, parents' names, marital status, and the immediate and underlying causes of death.

State health departments review and certify these documents before making them available to authorized requesters.

These documents provide legal documentation for families while helping public health officials track population statistics and mortality trends.

The Short Answer: What Are Death Certificates Used For?

Death certificates are used for granting access to accounts, benefits, and property after someone passes away. Banks, insurers, and government agencies all require certified copies before releasing funds or transferring assets.

Key situations for death certificates include:

• Financial institutions freeze accounts until you present a death certificate. Banks and credit unions won't grant access even if you held power of attorney, and that authority expires at death.
• Insurance companies process claims only after receiving certified death certificates. Life insurance, accidental death policies, and mortgage protection all require this documentation before paying benefits.
• Government agencies need death certificates to stop payments and process survivor benefits. Social Security, pension administrators, and veterans' offices use them to verify eligibility for ongoing or lump-sum payments.
• Property transfers require death certificates as proof of legal authority. You'll need certified copies to update vehicle titles, transfer real estate deeds, and access safety deposit boxes.
• Courts demand death certificates before validating wills or granting estate authority. Probate proceedings cannot begin without this official documentation.
• Credit card companies and lenders close accounts only after you submit death certificates. Executors use them to notify creditors and settle outstanding debts.

At After, your care specialist guides you through the entire documentation process. Our cremation packages include permit coordination and paperwork assistance, helping families obtain the death certificates they need to settle estates efficiently. 

Who Issues Death Certificates?

The people who issue death certificates are the attending physician, medical examiner, or coroner. They complete and sign the death certificate within 24 to 72 hours after an individual passes away, depending on state requirements.

These medical professionals certify the cause and manner of death after their examination, medical history, and any available test results.

Funeral directors typically handle the administrative filing. They collect personal information from the family, verify details like Social Security numbers and parents' names, and submit the completed death certificate to the state vital records office.

The state then reviews the document, applies an official seal, and issues certified copies.

In cases requiring investigation, such as unexpected deaths, accidents, or suspicious circumstances, the medical examiner's office may list the cause of death as "pending" while awaiting autopsy results or toxicology reports.

Families can still obtain certified copies during this period, though some institutions may require an updated certificate once the investigation concludes.

How Many Death Certificates Should You Request?

You should request between 10 and 15 certified copies, though the exact number depends on how many accounts, policies, and assets you're settling. 

Count each bank account, investment portfolio, insurance policy, property title, vehicle registration, and government benefit separately. 

Each institution typically requires its own certified copy. Certified copies cost $10 to $25 each, depending on your state. Ordering extras upfront saves time since requesting additional copies later through county or state health departments can delay estate settlement.

Your cremation provider or funeral home can help you order the right number initially, or you can request them directly from vital records offices.

Who Can Request Death Certificates?

The people who can request death certificates depends on state law. Most states restrict death certificate access to immediate family members, court-appointed executors, administrators, and attorneys representing the estate. 

Most states restrict death certificate access to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. Immediate family members can request certified copies in all states. This includes surviving spouses, parents, adult children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.

Court-appointed executors, administrators, and attorneys representing the estate can also obtain certificates by presenting letters testamentary, letters of administration, or proof of legal representation.

You'll need government-issued photo ID and documents proving your relationship or legal authority, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or court orders. Funeral directors request certificates as part of their professional duties when families authorize them during arrangements.

Some states offer different access levels:

• Florida allows any adult to request certificates without cause of death information, while certificates showing cause of death remain restricted to eligible family members and legal representatives for 50 years.
• Arizona treats death certificates as closed records, restricting access to immediate family and legal representatives indefinitely. Certificates only become public after 50 years.
• California distinguishes between authorized copies (required for legal purposes, available only to eligible requesters) and informational copies (available to the public but marked invalid for legal identification).
• Most states follow the 50-year rule. After that period passes, death certificates become public records accessible to anyone, though Texas maintains some restrictions regardless of age.

How To Obtain Death Certificates

Funeral homes handle the entire filing process and order certified copies on your behalf, letting families focus on other priorities.

Our care specialists guide families through documentation requirements and can order certificates during arrangements, eliminating trips to vital records offices during a difficult time.

You can also request certificates directly from state vital records offices through online portals, mail-in forms, or in-person visits to county health departments. Third-party services like VitalChek expedite orders for additional fees when you need certificates urgently.

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Death Certificates

Small ordering mistakes create delays and extra costs when you're settling an estate. Families can avoid these common problems by planning ahead and understanding what institutions require. These are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ordering too few copies: Families who request just two or three certificates discover they need many more once they start closing accounts. Ordering additional copies later means waiting weeks for state processing and paying rush fees.
• Requesting non-certified copies for official business: Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies reject photocopies and informational copies. These institutions only accept certified copies with raised seals or official stamps.
• Using nicknames instead of legal names: Name mismatches delay processing. Use the full legal name exactly as it appears on Social Security cards and official identification, even if your loved one used a nickname.
• Skipping state-specific requirements: Each state maintains different rules about eligibility, required identification, and forms. Check your state's vital records website before ordering to include all required documentation.
• Ordering abbreviated certificates when you need full versions: Some institutions require death certificates showing cause of death. Clarify whether you need full or abbreviated certificates before placing your order.

What To Do If There's an Error on a Death Certificate?

If there’s an error on a death certificate, contact the issuing authority immediately. Errors in names, dates, Social Security numbers, or other vital details can prevent you from accessing accounts and benefits.

The person who filed the original certificate often serves as your first point of contact for amendments. They can initiate correction requests with the state vital records office and guide you through the required documentation.

Minor errors like misspelled names or transposed numbers typically require less documentation than changes to cause of death or major biographical details. You'll generally need to submit proof of the correct information such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, or government-issued identification.

If the certifying doctor made mistakes in the medical section, they must submit corrections through official channels. These amendments can take several weeks to process, especially if the medical examiner's office needs to review additional records.

Keep copies of the incorrect certificate along with documentation of your correction request. Some institutions may accept the original certificate with an official amendment letter while you wait for corrected versions.

Get Answers About Death Certificates With After

We hope this guide answers your questions about what are death certificates used for. Our goal is to help families through one of their most difficult times.

We provide simple and affordable cremation services that include transportation, permits, and support 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.

Our prepaid cremation options allow families to plan ahead, while LilyPay financing helps manage costs.

Do you have questions about obtaining death certificates or need support with immediate cremation services? 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 About Death Certificates

Can I Use Digital Copies of Death Certificates?

Yes, you can use digital copies of death certificates in limited situations, though most institutions still require original certified copies with raised seals or official stamps.

Some organizations now accept certified digital copies sent directly from state vital records offices. Always verify specific requirements before submitting digital versions.

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.

How Long Are Death Certificates Valid?

Death certificates remain valid indefinitely since they document a permanent event. However, some institutions may request recently issued copies when settling matters years after the death.