In the United States a family member is able to file a death certificate except in these 9 states Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York
Instructions for Families:
This guide is for families who wish to independently file a death certificate after the death of a loved one. Fill out the required sections and take the completed guide to the County Clerk’s office or Vital Records office in the county where the death occurred. This is a helpful tool to organize the necessary information. Your state may require a medical examiner or funeral director’s signature. Click here for details state by state, on Death Certificate Filing, home funeral legalities and private cemeteries.
1. Information of the Deceased
- Full Name of the Deceased:
- Home Address:
- Date of Birth:
- Social Security Number (if applicable):
- Place of Birth (City, State, Country):
- Date of Death:
- Time of Death (if known):
- Place of Death (Street Address, City, County, State):
2. Cause of Death Information:
- Immediate Cause of Death (e.g., heart failure, cancer, etc.):
- Other Significant Conditions Contributing to Death (if applicable):
- Was an Autopsy performed?
☐ Yes ☐ No
3. Informant’s Information (Person providing death details):
- Full Name:
- Relationship to the Deceased:
- Contact Information ( Address, Phone, Email):
4. Funeral/Disposition Information:
- Funeral Home (if applicable):
- Name of the Cemetery/Location for Burial (if applicable):
- Cremation or Burial:
☐ Cremation ☐ Burial ☐ Donation
5. Additional Notes for County Clerk:
(Use this section if you need to provide extra information specific to your situation)
Important Next Steps:
- Contact the Attending Physician or Coroner to have the cause of death certified. Some rural Fire Departments can do this service.
- Visit the County Clerk’s Office or Vital Records Office to file the completed death certificate form. These 9 states Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York are mandatory to call a funeral director. (We have a petition for this injustice https://letsbetrees.org/free-burial-witnessing-petition-reduce-funeral-costs-now/)
- Purchase copies of the filed death certificate for legal, financial, and personal use. We have a petition for this injustice as the cost of these needful documents cost grieving families an average of $150. for a recommended 10 copies. Sign our petition.https://letsbetrees.org/www-letsbetrees-org-petition-free-death-certificates-for-grieving-families/
Helpful Contacts:
- County Clerk’s Office or Vital Records
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