Primary government sources for death certificates and vital statistics.
Social Security Death Index (SSDI) CDC National Center for Health Statistics National Archives — Death Records VA Nationwide Gravesite LocatorFree online tools for searching cemetery records, headstone photos, and published obituaries.
FindAGrave.comFrequently Asked Questions
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is an official government document that records the fact, date, location, and cause of a person's death. It is issued by the state vital records office (or county registrar) in the state where the death occurred. Death certificates are essential for settling estates, claiming life insurance, accessing survivor benefits, and closing financial accounts.
What is the Social Security Death Index (SSDI)?
The SSDI is a database maintained by the Social Security Administration listing individuals whose deaths were reported to SSA, typically because a death benefit was claimed. It contains name, birth date, death date, last known ZIP code, and SSN. The public SSDI at FamilySearch.org covers deaths reported through approximately 2014; SSA restricted public access to recent records for identity theft prevention.
How do I get a copy of a death certificate?
Contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. Most states offer online ordering, mail-in requests, or in-person pickup. Fees range from $10 to $30. Certified copies (required for legal and financial transactions) typically cost more than informational copies. Processing time is usually 2-6 weeks by mail; expedited service is available in many states for an additional fee.
Who can order a death certificate?
Access rules vary by state. Generally, immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings), legal representatives of the estate, funeral directors, and authorized government agencies can obtain certified copies. Some states issue informational (non-certified) copies to anyone. Genealogy researchers can usually obtain death certificates for deaths occurring more than 50-75 years ago.
How far back do death records go?
State vital records offices generally maintain death records from the early 1900s to present. Earlier records (pre-1900) are typically held by county clerks, churches, or state archives. The SSDI covers deaths reported from approximately 1962 to 2014. The National Archives holds historical death records for military personnel, federal employees, and census mortality schedules.
Can I search death records for free?
Yes. The Social Security Death Index is searchable for free at FamilySearch.org. Many states offer free online death record indexes (not certified copies). FindAGrave.com and BillionGraves provide free cemetery and obituary records. State and county vital records offices charge fees for certified copies, but the search/index is often free.