Death Certificates: Its Purpose and Peacefully

The United States first collected death certificates beginning in the early 1900s. Since then, how has it left its mark in the post-mortem industry? For the basics and beyond, here’s what you should know:

What is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof that someone has died. The government issues this document which states personal information about the deceased. 

Specifically, the document collects the deceased’s information in the span of 3 sections.

• First and Third Section: Identifying data such as name, age, birthdate, occupation, and race are listed here. This section is usually completed by a funeral director. 

• Second Section: To be completed by a medical person who pronounces death, this section leaves room for the immediate cause of death information to be collected. In addition, other impactful information such as tobacco use, injuries, and complications are also noted.

Why Are Death Certificates Needed?

A death certificate is a vital legal document that serves many purposes. First, it is evidence that a person has died. Second, with this proof, the state level of government can use it to cease social security payments, pensions, and other benefits that may have been used by the deceased. Without notifying the state of a person’s death, affairs cannot be settled. Third, surviving loved ones use this document to close tasks the state does not have jurisdiction of. This most often includes closing bank accounts, logging into cell phones, and car ownerships. Lastly, death certificates help to document leading causes of death. This documentation ultimately helps public health professionals implement health interventions.

Is There a Standard Certificate Format?

Some states offer their own variations, but most utilize the U.S. Standard Death Certificate. This standard format was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. The most recent revisions of the document came into effect in 2003, and are updated every 10 to 15 years. In 2003, California, Idaho, New York, and Montana were the first to use it. Since then, 27 other states have accepted the use of this standardized certificate.

How Do You Obtain a Death Certificate?

After a loved one passes, the process of obtaining a death certificate begins when the sections are filled out by a funeral director and medical person who pronounces the death. After it is signed by the respective authors, you can order a certified death certificate online, by mail, or in person. For online and in-person ordering, simply complete an online search your state’s record department office. If you wish to complete the process by mail, you can send a letter to your state’s vital record office. 

Notably, ordering and obtaining copies of a death certificate typically requires a fee. This cost ranges depending on the state in which the person dies. For example, the fee for acquiring an official Wyoming death certificate is $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy. On the other hand, ordering a copy of a death certificate in New York can cost about $45. 

How Many Death Certificates Should You Get?

With its number of different uses, many death certificates should be ordered to help settle final affairs. The exact number depends on the number of items that are in the deceased’s name. In general, this number can range anywhere from 6 to 10 copies. However, most funeral planning agencies recommend ordering a few more than what you think is required. 

After a loved one passes, there are final affairs that need to be settled. Most often, these tasks are left behind and can interfere with the mourning process. Fortunately, Peacefully offers free guidance through this difficult process. From things to do immediately after death to real estate and property, Peacefully is here for you. For more information on how a death certificate can help to settle final affairs, give us a call at (657) 999-0791, or email us at hello@peacefully.io. 

— Lauren Goldberg