How many death certificates should I get?

One for each organization that will keep a certified copy, plus two spares. Use the calculator to count them.

Does Social Security need a certified death certificate?

Not at first. You can report the death without one, but Social Security will need it later.

Can I use a photocopy of a death certificate?

Sometimes. Many organizations accept a photocopy, including the Department of Education for federal student loans. Banks and life insurers usually want a certified copy.

Who can order a death certificate?

Usually close family, such as a spouse, children and siblings. Rules vary by state, and anyone can order a copy once the record becomes public.

Tools

How many death certificates?

Usually one certified copy for each bank, insurance company, retirement plan and government office that asks for one, plus two spares.

Banks and credit unions
One for each institution
1
Life insurance policies
One for each policy, including any through an employer
1
Retirement accounts and pensions
401(k), IRA, pension plan
1
Brokerage or investment accounts
One for each firm
0
Real estate
One for each property, for the county recorder
0
Vehicles and boats
For the title transfer
0
Annuities and other benefits
Annuities, union or fraternal benefits
0
Probate court
Only if the estate goes through probate
0
Veterans benefits
If they served in the military
0
Spare copies
For the places you think of later
2

Certified copies to order

Banks and credit unions	1
Life insurance policies	1
Retirement accounts and pensions	1
Spare copies	2

You don't need a copy to report the death to Social Security, though it may ask for one later. The funeral home usually makes the report.

Write my message to the funeral home

The funeral home usually orders the certified copies for you. Add names if you like, then copy the message or open it in your email. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.

Their name (optional)Funeral home (optional)Your name (optional)

Subject: Certified copies of the death certificate

Hello,

Please order 5 certified copies of the death certificate.

I need them for:
- Banks and credit unions: 1
- Life insurance policies: 1
- Retirement accounts and pensions: 1
- Spare copies: 2

Could you tell me the cost per copy, how I can pay, and when the copies should be ready? If it's easier for me to order some of them from the state vital records office myself, please let me know how.

Thank you,

Open in my email

Last checked October 14, 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state.

The calculator above counts them for you. Some organizations accept a photocopy, so ask before you use a certified copy.

Quick facts

You need a certified copy of the death certificate to notify Social Security, close bank accounts and claim life insurance (USAGov, as of 2026).
Federal student loans can be discharged with a photocopy or scanned copy of the death certificate (34 CFR § 685.212, as of 2026).
The funeral director is responsible for filing the death certificate with the state or local registrar (CDC/NCHS Funeral Directors' Handbook, as of 2026).
Each state sets its own fee for a certified copy (USAGov, as of 2026).

Your next step

Questions people ask

How many death certificates should I get?: One for each organization that will keep a certified copy, plus two spares. Use the calculator to count them.
Does Social Security need a certified death certificate?: Not at first. You can report the death without one, but Social Security will need it later.
Can I use a photocopy of a death certificate?: Sometimes. Many organizations accept a photocopy, including the Department of Education for federal student loans. Banks and life insurers usually want a certified copy.

Who needs a certified death certificate?

USAGov says you will need a certified copy to notify Social Security and other government agencies. You will also need one to close or transfer credit cards and bank accounts, and to claim life insurance or a pension. Many places keep the copy you send them, which is why you need more than one.

Some places accept a photocopy or a scan. USAGov says a photocopy may be enough for things like canceling a subscription. The Department of Education accepts a photocopy or scanned copy to discharge federal student loans, and Facebook accepts a scan or photo.

Ask each organization before you send a certified copy.

Where do you get death certificates?

Ask the funeral home first. The funeral director is responsible for filing the death certificate with the state or local registrar. Ask whether they can order copies for you.
For more copies later, contact the vital records office in the state where the death happened.
Check whether you're eligible. USAGov says only certain family members, such as a spouse, siblings and children, may be able to get a certified copy until the record becomes public. The rules vary by state.
Ask the price. Each state sets its own fee per copy.

What if the cause of death is still pending?

You can usually still get copies. If a medical examiner or coroner is still investigating, the cause of death can be listed as pending at first, and the certificate is updated later. Ask each bank or insurer whether a certificate with a pending cause is enough to get started.

Sources (5)