Can I File My Loved One’s Death Certificate Myself?

Although there are a few states that require funeral directors to supervise the disposition of the body and file a death certificate, most states will allow a family member to file a death certificate for a loved one. If you reside in a state that doesn’t require a funeral director, you can contact the Office of Vital Statistics to acquire a blank copy of a death certificate form or you can provide the necessary information through their online system. The electronic death record system (ERDS) can be a barrier for those interested in conducting home funerals since access is only granted to individuals with state authorization. 

If you live in a state that doesn’t require a funeral director to file a death certificate, you can file a paper copy of the certificate, and those details will be input into ERDS by a town clerk or county registrar. However, if you live in a state where this method is prohibited by ERDS reporting requirements, you will have to work with a funeral director to file the death certificate instead of filing it yourself. There are currently 5 states that require a funeral director to sign, certify or file a death certificate:

• Connecticut 
• Illinois 
• New York
• Michigan 
• New Jersey 

Details and identifying information pertaining to the person who died will be necessary to complete the death certificate registration, so it can be helpful to gather this information ahead of time. Required information can vary by state, but most forms will request the following details at a minimum: 

• Full name 
• Address
• Marital status
• Surviving spouse’s name 
• Father’s name
• Mother’s maiden name
• Education level
• Social Security number 
• Veteran’s discharge or claim number 
• Date and time of death
• Place of death
• Cause of death 

When contacting the Office of Vital Statistics in your region, it is important to clarify requirements and time constraints prior to arranging the burial. Some states require that the death certificate must be filed within a specific period of days following the death and prior to the burial or cremation of the person who died. After the death certificate has been completed, it needs to be signed by the physician who was last responsible for your loved one’s care. The physician must indicate the cause, death and time of death. It is highly encouraged to get the death certificate finalized by the physician as soon as possible, since some states also have time constraints surrounding the length of time that can pass between the time of death and the physician’s signature. 

Sources

“Who Can File and Prepare the Death Certificate?” Titan Casket. https://titancasket.com/blogs/funeral-guides-and-more/how-to-get-a-death-certificate#who-can-prepare-and-file-the-death-certificate 

“Quick Guide to Legal Requirements for Home Funerals in Your State”. New Hampshire Funeral Resources & Education. https://www.nhfuneral.org/state_home_funeral_requirements.html