Certified Copies of Death Records

Our office provides three different types of certified copies of death records based on your need and eligibility:

1. A certified copy of a complete death record may be issued to a relative*, an authorized representative, a funeral director reporting the facts of death, or by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction. This copy is the full death record that includes the cause of death and the social security number.
2. A certified copy of a death record that includes the facts of death may be issued to any person that may obtain a certified copy of a complete death record or to any licensed attorney who requires the copy for a bona fide legal determination. This copy includes the decedent's social security number but does not include any cause of death information.
3. A certified informational copy of a death record may be issued to the general public. This copy includes all the demographic information about the decedent, but the copy does not contain the cause of death or the social security number.

(*) Relative - Based on NDCC 23.02-1, for the purposes of disclosing death information, means a person's current or surviving spouse, a parent or legal guardian, a child, a grandparent, a grandchild or a genetic sibling.

Order a death record securely online

Request a death record by regular mail

Call for an In-Person Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a certified copy of a death record cost?

Certified copies of death records are $15.00 for the 1st copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time. Our office does not issue uncertified copies.

How long does it take to get a death record?

Once received in our office, copies are usually mailed in 3 to 5 business days (this does not include the return mail time). Any received request that includes FedEx, UPS or USPS Priority Mail return shipping is processed the next business day for overnight shipping.

Can I Fax the application to Vital Records?

No. The fax process is not a reliable or efficient way to send your request to our office. If your need is urgent, then we suggest ordering a death record using our secure online application, which is our fastest method for ordering records.

Can I pickup a death record at the Vital Records office?

Yes. Using our secure online application, you may order your record online and select "Web Order Pickup" in the shipping method. When you order is ready, which usually takes less than two hours, we will email you directions to our office so that you can stop by and pick it up. Please remember to bring the ID you used to order the record, so we can verify that you are the correct person.