Death Certificates In Person

Note: Only the spouse, child, parent, sibling, domestic partner, or designated agent in charge of the disposition of the deceased, the legal representative of one of these parties, or somebody with a documented legal need may request a copy of the death certificate. See step 6 for legal need instructions.

Proof of Relationship with the deceased is required for children and siblings of the deceased. Proof of relationship can be established by providing: a birth certificate with parents’ names or an obituary that lists the entitled party as surviving child or sibling. If the child is a minor, their parent or guardian is able to request a certificate on their behalf.

To Order a Death Certificate:

Complete, print and sign a request form. Please use blue or black ink. Electronic signatures are not accepted.
Review the form. Please be sure to complete the applicant and mailing address portions. Please list the child’s and his/her/their mother’s maiden name – not married name. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.
Payment. Checks and money orders are payable to: The Office of Vital Statistics. Discover, Mastercard and Visa credit cards require a signed form. The cardholder will need to sign a credit card authorization form. If the name on the credit card is different than the name of the individual ordering the certificate, a copy of the cardholder’s ID must be included. The fee is $30.00 for the first certified copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate when ordered at the same time. If you pay by check, you must include your phone number on the check.
ID. Include a signed copy of your identification. If your ID has a signature or information on the front and back you must send a copy of both sides. Please make sure the copy is readable, large and clear. Examples of acceptable identification are:

Photo driver license with signature
Non-driver photo license with signature
Passport with signature
Military ID with signature
Employer’s photo ID with signature
Photo social services card with signature

Letter of legal need. If you are not an entitled party (spouse, child, parent, or sibling) of the deceased, and have a legal need for the death certificate, you must submit a letter from the company, office or agency that needs the document. A letter of legal need is:

On letterhead (of company, office or agency)
Addressed to you (the individual making the request)
Specific. It states that a copy of the deceased’s death certificate is necessary.
Signed by a company representative
Included in addition to Steps 1-5