Certified Copy of a Death Certificate
A certified copy of a death certificate is an official and legally recognized document that provides detailed information about a person's death.
It's considered "certified" because it's issued by a government agency, such as a state or county vital records office, contains a government seal or stamp, as well as other designs that cannot be faked, forged, or copied.
These elements are used as proof of a person's death, and a certified copy is required for a variety of high profile post-death tasks like Administering the deceased's Estate, claiming Life Insurance benefits, or applying for other Survivor Benefits.
A certified copy is in contrast to a Unofficial Copy, which is one that can be produced using an everyday photocopier or home printer. Because these copies do not have anti-counterfeiting design features, they are used to manage smaller administrative tasks such as cancelling bills or memberships.
Funeral Homes will typically obtain a certified copy of a death certificate on behalf of a Surviving Family as part of their service fee, but the documents can also be purchased directly from the state where the deceased lived at the time of their death.
Family members, or the deceased's Executor or Administrator will need submit a request to the relevant government agency through their website, via phone, or hard copy in the mail.
Certified copies of a death certificate are used for a variety of reasons, including:
Official Record: The death certificate is an official record of a person's death. It includes important details such as the date, time, and place of death, as well as the cause of death, if known.
Legal Document: A certified copy of the death certificate is a legal document that can be used for various official purposes, including settling the deceased person's estate, closing bank accounts, claiming benefits, and facilitating Probate.
Identification: It contains identifying information about the deceased, such as their full name, date of birth, gender, and Social Security Number. This information is used to verify the individual's identity and confirm their death.
Cause of Death: The death certificate may include the cause of death as determined by a state Medical Examiner or physician. This information can be important for legal and health-related matters.
Family and Next of Kin: The names of the deceased person's immediate Surviving Family members and Next of Kin, such as parents and spouse, are typically recorded on the death certificate.
Registration: Death certificates are usually registered with a government agency responsible for vital records, such as a state's department of health, or Vital Records Office.
Multiple Copies: When a death occurs, multiple certified copies of the death certificate should be requested. These copies are needed for various purposes, including settling financial and legal matters related to the deceased person's Estate.
Access and Privacy: Access to death certificates is generally regulated by state and local laws. While some information is available to the public, certain details may be restricted to protect privacy or for legal reasons.
