How to get certified copies of a death certificate.
Most families need multiple certified copies of a death certificate, but you don’t need to get them all at once or figure everything out immediately.
What People Often Think
You have to order all death certificate copies right away.
One certified copy should work for everything.
If you don’t order through the funeral home, you missed your chance.
What’s actually true.
Most banks, insurers, and courts require their own certified copy, which is why families usually need several.
The funeral home can order copies when the death certificate is first filed, and additional copies can be ordered later from the county or state if needed.
Ordering later is possible, but it’s typically more inconvenient and more expensive.
Why it matters.
Ordering too few copies can cause delays when original documents are required.
Ordering too many wastes money during an already expensive time.
Knowing the easiest moment to order — and the real downside of waiting — prevents second-guessing.
Practical takeaway.
Order 8–10 certified copies through the funeral home upfront, when the death certificate is first filed.
If the estate is very small, 5–7 copies may be enough. If there are multiple properties, insurance policies, or financial accounts, 10–12 copies is safer.
Expect to pay about $10–$30 per certified copy, depending on your state. You can order more later from vital records, but it’s usually slower, more inconvenient, and may cost more.