When someone dies, a death record must be recorded with the appropriate local or state office within 10 days in most cases. The funeral home or organization responsible for cremation is usually responsible for filing the certificate. There might be a delay if an investigation or autopsy is needed to determine cause of death. The vital records office can then give out copies of the death record.
Reasons for obtaining a death certificate
There are any number of reasons why someone might need a death record. A relative might need a death certificate in researching family history. Or a direct relative might need a death certificate to settle the deceased’s estate. Or, you may just want to find out if someone died. Obtaining survivor benefits, like Social Security payments, might require a death certificate. Settling a will or determining if probate is necessary might also warrant a death certificate.
A family member can request copies of the death certificate from the funeral home or mortuary in the days following the death, but sometimes a family member or other person might need a copy after some time has passed.
But are death certificates public record? Death records are generally considered public information and are available. The county the person died in usually keeps the records. Some larger cities, such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City keep their own records. The process to obtain the death certificate varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, in addition to the requirements needed to receive one.
States may restrict access for death records for a period of time. For example, Alabama mandates that death certificates less than 25 years old can only be obtained by certain family members or legal representatives of the family or estate. Florida allows anyone to order a death certificate without the cause of death listed. That information is restricted to family members and other legal representatives for 50 years after death.
What kind of information can I find on a death certificate?
Death certificates contain personally identifiable information about the decedent, including:
• Address
• Birth date
• Birth location
• Social Security number
• Parents’ names
• Time, date and location of death
Because some people might use this information for nefarious purposes, some of this information might be redacted.
Find death records online
Death records can be obtained by walking into the local agency that houses the records. But you can also find death records online by going to a third party. There are a number of companies that offer records services.
Here are some common reasons why you might want to order a death certificate online:
• Speed
• Can order at any time
• You might live far from where the record is kept
• Ease of use
Third-party companies charge a fee for their services. This is in addition to any fees charged by the state to obtain a death record. The state fees are generally in the neighborhood of $10 to $15. It is a good idea to order additional copies if you need the death certificate for more than just personal records. Additional copies after the first are often less expensive.
