How to Get a Death Certificate in Nebraska

Nebraska's death certificate ordering is centralized through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Vital Records office, now located in the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln. Nebraska also has one of the narrowest eligibility rules of any state — this guide covers exactly who can order a copy, and every ordering option.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Nebraska?

Death certificates in Nebraska are issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Vital Records, now located at 301 Centennial Mall South, First Floor, Lincoln, NE (the office relocated to the Nebraska State Office Building). Website: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Nebraska

• Online: Order through VitalChek, DHHS's authorized online vendor, by credit or debit card. VitalChek adds its own processing fee on top of the state fee, and typically requires a faxed copy of your government-issued ID.
• By mail: Submit a completed application, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order (DHHS does not accept mailed credit card payments) payable to Vital Records to: Nebraska Vital Records, P.O. Box 95065, Lincoln, NE 68509-5065.
• In person — Lincoln: Visit the Vital Records office at 301 Centennial Mall South, First Floor. Call (402) 471-2871 to confirm current hours before visiting.
• 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 Nebraska?

The fee is a flat $16 per certified copy, confirmed directly on the DHHS Vital Records page, with no discount for ordering additional copies. VitalChek adds its own processing fee for online orders.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Nebraska families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the County Court (where Nebraska probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and Nebraska's inheritance tax filing.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Nebraska?

Nebraska is unusually restrictive compared to most states: DHHS's own guidance states that you may only get a death certificate for your spouse, your parent, or your child. If your name isn't on the certificate you're requesting, you must show proof of your relationship — for example, your own birth certificate to request a parent's record, or a marriage certificate to request a spouse's record. If you're the executor or personal representative but don't fall into one of those three relationships, you'll typically need to present your Letters Testamentary or work through the estate's attorney rather than ordering directly as an individual. Call (402) 471-2871 if your situation doesn't clearly fit one of these categories.

Processing Timeline

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
5. Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.