How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate?

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

After a person dies, it can take anywhere from one day to a few weeks for the official death certificate to be completely processed. Turnaround times vary by location, type of death, and when the person died. The circumstances under which a person dies can also impact how long it takes to get a death certificate. For example, if an extended investigation is required to determine the cause of death, that will slow down the process.

Average Timeframe for Death Certificate Completion

Most states require death certificates to be completed and returned to the funeral director within 48 to 72 hours. However, each state has specific regulations on the timeframe for submitting a death certificate; they can range from one to 10 days.

Verification and Required Signatures

A medical examiner, coroner, or physician is required to fill in portions of the death certificate with key information, such as the person's cause of death. They must also sign to confirm the person is no longer living. Once the medical professional has completed their portion of the certificate, they usually have to deliver it to the funeral director, who also signs the document.

Transfer to Records Department

After the medical professional and funeral director have signed the certificate, it is transferred to the local government office charged with keeping vital records. This office completes the certification process by reviewing the information and affixing a governmental seal. This process differs slightly from state to state, so how long it takes to get a death certificate after someone dies can vary.

Release of Death Certificate to Family Members

Once the death certificate has been certified by the government agency responsible for recordkeeping, copies can be provided to the deceased individual's family members. This is usually handled as part of the funeral or cremation arrangements, but families can opt to order directly from the appropriate government agency if they prefer to do so.

Required Information to Request a Death Certificate

In some states, death records are public and anyone can request one. However, in most states, death certificates will be released only to those who are related to the deceased or are legally representing their estate. To obtain a death certificate for someone, you may need to provide the following information:

• Unexpired proof of your identity that includes a photo and your signature
• Your relationship to the deceased (if applicable)
• Documentation of your status as executor or administrator of the person's estate (if applicable)
• Your current contact information
• The full name, sex, and exact date and place of death for the deceased individual
• The legal names of the deceased's parents, including their mother's maiden name
• The reason why you're requesting a copy, with documentation (such as an insurance policy that lists your name as the beneficiary)

State Death Certificate Timeframes

Use the chart below to find the processing time after requesting a death certificate. This is an indicator of how long you can generally expect it to take for you to receive death certificate copies after placing an order.