For instance, majority of state agencies will release an individual's death record to a requester if the requester is able to prove he or she is a direct descendant (e.g., parent, child, or spouse) of the deceased individual. Other person eligible to request and obtain a death record are individuals who can show documented proof of lawful right or claim, medical need, or a court order that has been handed down by a state court.

Basically, anyone who is requesting a copy of a death record needs to show proof of his or her relationship to the dead individual. When you request a death record, the vital records agency will ask you to show a photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport) and two letters showing your name and current address. Some vital records offices accept a letter coming fro ma governmental agency or a utility bill as documentation. Check with your state or local vital records agencyfor the specific requirements and proofs it needs, as each vital records office has its own rules in place.

Exceptions When Obtaining Death Records

If your purpose for your death records search is genealogical in nature, the process is much easier. Note, though, that majority of state and local vital records agencies are only going to release and individual's death records if the person has been dead for a minimum of 50 years. This minimum may differ from one state to the next.

In general, you'll need to make your death certificate request in writing. You also need to provide the vital records office as much information as you possibly can in order to facilitate the search. When you're requesting an individual's death certificate, be accurate. If you're not sure of the exact date, though, you can estimate. For instance, if you have no idea as to exactly when a person died, you can provide the vital records office a span of years to get them started on their search.

Other information you'll need to provide are: date of request, the deceased individual's full name and sex, date of death, town or city of death, what your relationship is to the deceased, your purpose for requesting the death record, and how to contact you (e.g., phone number and/or e-mail address). You'll also have to pay a fee to cover the administrative costs of the search and printing a copy of the death record.

Resources Online

You'll find many websites today that can assist your search for death records. These sites can give you the information you need and some may even facilitate the search and retrieval process for you so you obtain the death records in an easier and more convenient manner.