Vermont is unusual: vital records are open to the public, and any town clerk's office statewide can issue certified death certificates. This guide explains every option, the cost, and how many copies you'll need to settle the estate.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Vermont?
Death certificates in Vermont are issued by the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located in Waterbury — and by any of Vermont's town clerk's offices statewide, since Vermont's vital records are decentralized at the town level. Website: healthvermont.gov/stats/vital-records.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Vermont
- Online: Order through the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks; a small online processing fee applies in addition to the certificate fee.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, an ID copy, and a check or money order payable to "Vermont Department of Health." Mail to: Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-8370. Allow 3–5 weeks.
- In person — any town clerk: Walk-in service at any of Vermont's roughly 250 town clerk's offices. Often same-day.
- Through the funeral home: Funeral directors routinely order certified copies for the family.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Vermont?
The base fee is $10 per certified copy — among the lowest in the country — whether you order from the state office or a town clerk. Ordering online adds a small processing fee (roughly $2, for about $12 total). Noncertified copies, printed with a "noncertified copy" watermark, are available at no charge but generally aren't accepted by banks, courts, or insurers for estate purposes.
Pro tip
Vermont's town-based vital records system means you can usually get certified death certificates from your local town clerk in person, often same-day, for the flat $10 fee — faster and slightly cheaper than ordering online through the state.
What will it cost in Vermont?
- First certified copy
- $10
- Each additional copy
- $10
- Total for 10 copies
- $100
- 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 Vermont families need 6–10 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the probate division (for probate), Social Security, vehicle titles, and real estate transfers.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Vermont.
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 Vermont?
Vermont has open vital records — any person can order a certified copy. Photo ID is typically requested but no proof of relationship is required. Funeral homes and crematoriums may also apply for certified copies on the family's behalf.
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 Vermont. 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 Vermont may change. Consult a licensed Vermont attorney for guidance specific to your situation.