A death certificate is a vital record that is issued upon an individual’s death. Death certificates state the location and date of the person’s death and the cause of death.
When a loved one passes away, you will likely need copies of their death certificate in order to settle their affairs. For example, you may need a certified death certificate copy to:
- Claim life insurance or pension benefits
- File for Social Security benefits
- Arrange a funeral service
- Execute their will
- Settle any outstanding debts
- Cancel their contracts and services
What information is on a death certificate?
While it varies by state and county, death certificates typically contain the deceased individual’s
- Full, legal name
- Parents’ names
- Spouse, siblings, and children’s names, when applicable
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Marriage information, if applicable
- Occupation
- Military service
- Time, date, and location of death
- Cause of death