Get multiple copies of a death certificate.

How to get copies of a death certificate

You will be required to produce certified copies of a death certificate, at a cost of $10 to $15 each, when later claiming property, such as a pay-on-death bank account or benefits such as life insurance proceeds. It's generally wise to get ten copies of the death certificate initially.

Where to get help

If you're using the services of a funeral home, the funeral director may help complete the death certificate and secure copies, for an extra service fee.

If you want copies shortly after a death, contact the local county records office. A few months after a death, you can get a death certificate from the state records office. Get information on where to order and how much copies cost through the National Center for Health Statistics.