Mississippi's $6 additional-copy fee is among the cheapest in the country. Order generously in your first request to take advantage. This guide explains every ordering option, the actual cost, and how many copies your family will need.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Mississippi?
Death certificates in Mississippi are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Vital Records, located in Ridgeland (Jackson metro area). County health department offices around the state can also issue certified copies. Website: msdh.ms.gov.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Mississippi
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to Mississippi Vital Records to: Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person — Ridgeland/Jackson area: Walk-in service is available at the MSDH Vital Records office, with same-day service in many cases.
- County health department: Many county health departments can issue certified copies — typically the fastest local option.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Mississippi?
The fee is $17 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time — one of the cheapest additional-copy rates in the country.
Pro tip
Mississippi's $6 per additional copy is excellent value, but the discount only applies to copies ordered together in the same transaction. Order 10–12 copies in your first request — going back later for more means paying the full $17 "first copy" rate again.
What will it cost in Mississippi?
- First certified copy
- $17
- Each additional copy
- $6
- Total for 10 copies
- $71
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Mississippi families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Chancery Court (where Mississippi probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Mississippi.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Mississippi?
Mississippi restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the executor or administrator of the estate; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | 2–3 weeks |
| By mail | 4–6 weeks |
| In person, Ridgeland/Jackson | Often same-day |
| County health department | Often same-day or within a few days |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
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 Mississippi. 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 Mississippi may change. Consult a licensed Mississippi attorney for guidance specific to your situation.