This depends on relation.
State law dictates No aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, ex-spouse, step parent (not listed on certificate), or non-relative may pick up a certificate without power of attorney or direct interest documentation.
- Child of deceased - If you are a child of the deceased you will need your birth certificate and a valid driver’s license or valid state ID.
- Grandchildren of deceased- Will need their own birth certificate, the certificate of their parent that lists the deceased within, and a valid ID.
- Ex-wife/Ex-husband, Other Non-Relation - These relations must show a direct interest for the certificate by bringing a legal letter from an agency that lists your name as the estate beneficiary, inheritor, life insurance beneficiary, bank account closer, or other agency that requests the deceased death certificate.
- Informant - If you are listed as the informant on the death certificate you will need a valid driver’s license or valid state ID.
- Lawyer - We advise you to call ahead to review your clients case with the Vital Records representative. The agency or representative is still responsible for sending a formal request on a client’s behalf through office visit, mail, or online order. All methods will require the advocate’s work ID, office letterhead, and payment. The agency or representative will have to provide a direct interest on behalf of the client which includes a legal letter from an agency that lists your client’s name as the estate beneficiary, inheritor, life insurance beneficiary, bank account closer, or other agency that requests the deceased death certificate.
- Parent of the Deceased - If you are listed as the parent on the death certificate you will need a valid driver’s license or valid state ID.
- Wife/Husband - You will need the marriage license and your valid driver’s license or valid state ID.
You will need appropriate documentation in order to receive someone’s death certificate. You will also need to know the exact date or a specific range of dates of the death. All death records are stored by date, not name of the deceased. If you are not sure of the date, you may contact the cemetery for the burial date. The Health Department does not provide vouchers for certificates.
Who Cannot Obtain Death Certificates
No aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephew, ex-spouse, or non-relations may obtain a death certificate unless you have a legal letter from an agency that lists both your name and the deceased such as:
- Joint bank account
- Car title
- Estate beneficiary
- Inheritor
- Life insurance beneficiary
- Other agency that requests the deceased death certificate