A Guide to Obtaining Death Certificates

Navigating the weeks following the loss of a loved one is an extremely difficult time. Between the emotional weight of grief and the sudden administrative responsibilities, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. One of the first and most critical tasks families face is securing death certificates.

While this may seem like just another piece of paperwork, a death certificate is essential for settling your loved one's affairs. We're here to help guide you through this process with clarity and confidence.

What Is a Death Certificate and Why Is it Necessary?

A death certificate is the official legal record of a person's passing. It includes the cause of death and final disposition details. It's the primary proof required by most organizations to close the deceased's accounts or claim benefits.

It's important to note that there is a difference between a simple photocopy and a certified copy. A certified copy features a raised seal or an official stamp from the issuing government agency. Most institutions will not accept a plain photocopy. You'll likely need multiple certified copies to handle various aspects of your loved one's estate, including:

  • Life insurance policies. A death certificate helps process claims and release funds.
  • Banks and financial institutions. The death certificate is necessary to close accounts or access safe deposit boxes.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA). You may need to stop benefit payments or apply for survivor benefits.
  • Credit card companies. Companies need a death certificate to close open lines of credit.
  • Real estate title transfers. A death certificate can help you transfer property ownership.
  • Motor vehicle departments. Make you have certified copies to transfer car titles.

How and Where to Order Certified Death Certificates

You must order death certificates from the vital records office in the municipality where the death occurred. While a funeral home can sometimes help obtain the initial copies immediately following the service, there are often strict time limits on how long we're permitted to do so.

For families who need additional copies later or for deaths that occurred outside our direct jurisdiction, we recommend ordering from the government agency responsible for that specific location.

For a Death Occurring in New York City

You can order a death certificate in New York directly from the New York City Department of Health if the person died within the City of New York, including:

  • Manhattan
  • Bronx
  • Queens
  • Brooklyn
  • Staten Island

This could be done by mail by filling out this form online at the Department of Health or in person by visiting 125 Worth Street, New York, New York. The City of New York charges $15 per certified copy, and they require proper identification.

For a Death Occurring in New York State

If the person died anywhere else in the state of New York, the death certificate would need to be ordered directly from the municipality where the death occurred. You can complete this by filling out this form or by visiting the registrar’s office in the municipality. If you opt for this, the municipality will charge $10 per certified copy.

If you aren’t sure in which municipality the death occurred, you could visit the New York State Department of Health to order the certified copies. If you opt for this, the State of New York will charge $30 per certified copy.

For Deaths in Other States

We understand that families often have ties across state lines. If you need to obtain a certificate for a passing that occurred in another state, you can access the official portals directly through their respective Departments of Health. Here are some examples:

Contact Us for Compassionate Support

Administrative tasks like obtaining certified death certificates in the Bronx and NYC can be overwhelming after a loss. We can help you if you have questions about the paperwork, need clarification on which agency to contact or require assistance with any other aspect of the process.

Reach out to our caring and professional team through our online contact form or call us directly at 718-828-1800. You can also email us at Joe@BronxFuneralHome.com, or visit Bronx Funeral Home.