Copies of Death Certificates

Certificates of death are needed for many legal and business concerns. In some situations a photocopy or fax of the certificate may be satisfactory. In other cases an original certificate is required. Whether a certified copy or a photocopy is required may depend upon several variables. In some situations an original may be required if the certificate is mailed, but if it is hand delivered the person accepting the certificate may make a copy and return the original.

Due to personal preferences, it is difficult to make a list of which situations require a certified copy and when a copy is acceptable. Therefore, the list below should be considered only a guide. There may be situations when a “copy” will be acceptable or when “original” is indicated on a document. It is recommended that the funeral director be consulted as he/she may know what the current practice is for a particular locale.

Note:There are a variety of financial holdings. Each of these may require an original death certificate. However, most stock and bond brokers or other financial institutions will require only one original death certificate regardless of the number of different stocks, bonds, or other investments held through their business institution.

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