If you've just lost a loved one, one of the first practical questions you'll face is how many death certificates to order. The short answer: more than you think.
Order at least 10 certified copies
Every institution that needs proof of death requires an original certified copy — not a photocopy, not a scan. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, probate courts, retirement account providers, and credit card companies all want their own copy. Some won't return them.
If your loved one had a complex estate — multiple bank accounts, several insurance policies, real estate in more than one state — you may need 15 or more.
Who needs a death certificate?
Here's a breakdown of who will ask for one:
Financial institutions
Every bank, credit union, brokerage, and retirement account provider where your loved one had an account will require a certified copy. If they had accounts at four different banks, that's four certificates.
Insurance companies
Each life insurance policy, health insurance provider, auto insurer, and homeowner's insurer needs their own copy to process claims or cancel coverage.
Government agencies
The Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable), Medicare, and your state's tax authority all require certified copies.
Legal and court
The probate court needs one to open the estate. Your loved one's attorney may need one. If property needs to be transferred, the county recorder's office will need one.
Other
The DMV to cancel a driver's license, credit bureaus to flag the credit file, the post office to redirect mail, and any employer or pension provider.
How to order death certificates
The easiest way is through your funeral home. When you make arrangements, they'll ask how many copies you want. They handle the paperwork and ordering — you just tell them a number.
You can also order directly from the vital records office in the county or state where the death occurred. This is slower (often 2–4 weeks) and requires a written request with proof of your relationship to the deceased.
Newspapers often ask for a copy when you submit an obituary, so order them before you finalize the notice — our guide to obituary examples walks through what to write and how to publish it.
What do death certificates cost?
Costs vary by state, typically ranging from $5 to $25 per certified copy. Ordering through the funeral home is usually the same price and much faster. Some states offer a discount when you order multiple copies at the same time.
A few tips
- Order them all at once. It's cheaper and faster than going back for more later. You will almost certainly need more than you expect.
- Keep a log of where you send each certificate and whether it was returned. Some institutions return them after processing, some don't.
- If you receive a death certificate with an error (wrong date, misspelled name), contact the funeral home or vital records office immediately. Errors can cause significant delays with banks and courts.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements vary by state.