Death Certificates

Definition of a Death Certificate

A death certificate serves as a vital legal document affirming the occurrence and details of a person’s passing. It may be issued by a medical professional, certifying the date and time of death, or by a government civil registration office, documenting essential information such as the date, place, and cause of death, formally recorded in an official register of deaths.

What is a death certificate

Think of a death certificate as an important record that confirms the details surrounding someone’s passing. It’s a formal note issued either by a doctor, noting the time of death, or by a government office, stating when, where, and why the person passed away. It’s all part of keeping official records of life events.

How can I get a death certificate?

The best way to get a death certificate is to Contact the vital records office of the state where the death occurred.

Each state’s vital records office will help understand how you can order a certified copy of a death certificate (online, by mail, or in-person), how you can get a copy quickly and the cost for each certified copy.

Can I get a death certificate ordered online?

Many states offer the capacity to order a death certificate copy online. If the state where your loved one departed does not have the capacity to order a copy of a death certificate online there are also external platforms where you can request a death certificate online. One popular option is Vital Check

Can anyone get a copy of a death certificate?

Initially, the right to obtain a death certificate usually lies with specific family members such as a spouse, siblings, or children following the loss of a loved one. However, once they enter the realm of public records, anyone can request them. 

Can I do a burial at sea with just a death certificate?

In order to have a burial at sea in the state of California you need to have a Disposition for Human Remains Permit.This can easily be attained if you have the death certificate of the deceased. A burial at sea service is not possible with only  a death certificate.   

Do I need a death certificate to get a disposition for a human remains permit?

Yes, you need a death certificate to procure a Disposition for Human Remains Permit. The death certificate helps to verify to the government the details of the deceased and allows them to put in the records where they were laid to rest.