How many certified death certificates do I need?
One of the most common questions aCremation is asked by families is how many death certificates they need to order. Below is a list of areas where you may need (or want) a certified death certificate. The process for ordering them is the same regardless if you choose direct cremation (also called simple cremation) or a funeral and burial.
Ordering Death Certificates
aCremation places the initial order for death certificates, when possible. Or you can order your own additional copies through the State of Texas.
Important: It is up to the financial institution to determine whether a copy of a death certificate is acceptable or if it must be a certified death certificate. In some cases, you may need to provide additional death certificates if there are multiple accounts. We recommend you check with the institution directly for their requirements.
Sample copy of TX certified death certificate mail-in form.
- Family member personal records (if desired)
- Ancestry documentation (if desired)
- Probating a Will
- Income Tax filings (IRS)
- Life insurance policy claim(s)
- Real estate transactions
- Other titled assets
- Stock/bond/brokerage accounts
- Oil/gas leases
- Bank accounts (including savings, checking, CDs, IRAs)
- Purchases with credit life attached
- Credit card companies
- Prearranged funeral/cemetery
- Social Security benefits for minor children
- Employer’s claims / pension-retirement benefits
- Other
Helpful information about Death Certificates
Package pricing
Whether you choose cremation or have a funeral service and burial, the process for ordering death certificates is the same. Some funeral costs include them in their pricing packages. Frequently, it will include one certified copy but some funeral homes will include more.
Certified copies
A certified copy has an embossed seal on it signifying it came directly the from the State of Texas. Most financial institutions will require a certified copy. It is up to each business whether they will accept a non-certified copy so be sure to check with the institution to know exactly what you need to provide.
Order a few extra
In Texas, each time you place an order for death certificates, the first one is going to cost considerably more than copies. For this reason, we recommend ordering a few extra to have as it will save money in the long-run if you have to re-order them from the State.