Death Certificate: What It Is and Who Completes It
A death certificate is the official record of a death, filed with the state or local vital records office. It combines personal details about the person who died with a medical section that states the cause of death.
What vital record do you need?
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Who completes it
Two groups fill in different parts, according to the CDC's handbook for funeral directors. The funeral director (or person acting as one) gathers the personal and burial details, confirms them with the family and files the certificate. The medical certifier completes the cause-of-death section. The certifier is usually a physician, and in some cases a medical examiner or coroner. In Texas, for example, the person in charge of the burial or removal files the certificate with the registrar.
When you need it
USAGov says most agencies and programs ask for certified copies of the death certificate, along with the person's Social Security number. Typical uses include notifying banks, handling an estate, claiming insurance or benefits, and transferring property. Each office sets its own rules, so ask which type of copy it will accept.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs a death certificate?
The medical section is signed by the certifier, usually a physician, medical examiner or coroner. The funeral director completes and files the rest of the record.
How many copies might I need?
It depends on how many banks, insurers and agencies you must notify. Ask each one whether it accepts a copy or needs a certified one.
Does the death certificate always list the cause of death?
The certificate includes a cause-of-death section completed by the certifier. Washington, for example, issues informational death copies without cause and manner of death. Rules vary by state.
Sources
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Funeral Directors' Handbook on Death Registration and Fetal Death Reporting
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Improving Cause-of-Death Reporting Glossary
- USAGov, Agencies to notify when someone dies
- Washington State Department of Health, Certificates and Informational Copies FAQ
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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To get a death certificate, you order a certified copy from the state or county vital records office where…
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