Hawaii has one of the lowest death certificate fees in the country: $10 for the first certified copy and just $4 for each additional one. Here's everything your family needs to know to order copies quickly and affordably.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Hawaii?
Hawaii death certificates are issued by the Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records Section, based in Honolulu.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Hawaii
- In person — Honolulu: Walk-in service at the Vital Records Section. Same-day service is common.
- Online: Order through Hawaii's vital records portal or VitalChek. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. Online orders add a $2.50 electronic portal administration fee and a $5 identity verification fee on top of the certificate cost.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order payable to "State Department of Health" to: Office of Health Status Monitoring, Issuance/Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can typically order certified copies on your behalf.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Hawaii?
Hawaii charges $10 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time — 10 copies cost just $46 total, among the lowest pricing in the country. In-person and mail orders also carry a small search fee ($2.50 for up to 5 certificates, scaling up in $2.50 increments per additional 5). Online orders add the portal and ID-verification fees noted above.
Pro tip
Hawaii's $4-per-additional-copy rate is excellent value. Order 10–12 copies in your first request rather than going back later — most institutions need their own original certified copy.
What will it cost in Hawaii?
- First certified copy
- $10
- Each additional copy
- $4
- Total for 10 copies
- $46
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Hawaii?
Hawaii restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest, which generally includes:
- The spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- The personal representative of the estate (Hawaii's term for executor)
- An attorney representing the estate
- Anyone who can document a legal or financial interest requiring the record
Government-issued photo ID is required for any request.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Plan for 8–12 certified copies: the Circuit Court (where Hawaii probate is filed), each bank, life insurance policy, Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and — for larger estates — the Hawaii estate tax filing.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Hawaii.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
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See the full checklist →What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Hawaii. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Hawaii may change. Consult a licensed Hawaii attorney for guidance specific to your situation.