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Death certificates: what they are for and how many you may need

A certified death certificate is the official record that lets banks, insurers, government agencies and courts act. Most families order several copies because many organizations keep the one you send. How many you actually need depends on how many accounts, policies and properties are involved.

The short version

  1. 01Confirm who is registering the deathIn most cases the funeral home files the paperwork and orders your first copies.
  2. 02List the organizations that will askBanks, insurers, pension and benefits agencies, employers, brokerages, the registry of deeds, and any court process.
  3. 03Ask each one what it acceptsSome accept a scan or a photocopy. Others require a certified copy they keep.
  4. 04Order copiesThrough the funeral home, or later from the vital records office for the place the death occurred.
  5. 05Keep one master copy filed and unsentOrdering more later is possible but slower.
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Who typically asks for a certified copy

  • Life insurance and annuity providers
  • Banks, credit unions and brokerages
  • Pension and government benefit agencies
  • Employers and former employers
  • Property, title and vehicle registries
  • Probate or estate courts, where applicable

Certified copy vs informational copy

A certified copy carries an official seal and can be used to act on the estate. An informational copy is for personal records only and is usually rejected by financial institutions. If you are unsure which you have been given, look for the raised or printed seal and the issuing office.

What may change this

Fees, who may request a copy, processing times and the difference between certified and informational copies are all set locally. Confirm with the vital records office for the jurisdiction where the death occurred.

Common questions

How many copies should I order?
It depends on the number of accounts, policies and properties involved. Count the organizations that require a copy they keep, then add one or two.
Can I order more later?
In most places yes, directly from the vital records office, though it usually takes longer than ordering at the outset.

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