Death Certificates: How Many to Request and Why

Not long after a death, someone will ask you to make a decision that feels impossible to estimate: “How many certified death certificates would you like?” If you’re juggling grief and executor paperwork while trying to settle estate details, it can feel like another test you didn’t study for.

This guide is meant to make that moment easier. We’ll explain what certified death certificate copies are used for, offer a practical way to estimate how many death certificates to order, and show how this paperwork often overlaps with funeral planning choices—especially cremation urns, keepsakes, and memorial options at home.

Why “certified” matters in the real world

A death certificate is a vital record. In the U.S., certified copies come from the state or local vital records office where the death occurred (not from a single national office). The CDC (National Center for Health Statistics) summarizes how this system works and where families typically request certified copies.

Most financial and legal institutions require certified copies because they are difficult to alter and can be tracked back to the issuing agency. Some organizations return the certificate after verification. Others keep it as part of their permanent file. That “keep it vs. return it” difference is why families often need more than they expected.

Three common pressure points are death certificate for banks when closing or retitling accounts, a life insurance death certificate requirement when filing claims, and a probate death certificate filing if probate court is involved. In each case, the certificate is less about bureaucracy and more about confirming legal authority and preventing fraud.

How many certified copies to request

There isn’t one universal number, but there is a reliable way to estimate. Count the places where money will be paid out or ownership will be transferred, then add a small buffer so you don’t stall mid-process.

For many families, a workable starting point is 10–12 certified copies. If the estate is very simple, 5–7 may be enough. If there are multiple properties, several financial institutions, or formal probate, 15+ can be practical. Think of this as a planning range, not a rule—because you can usually order more later if you need them.

If you want a simple death certificate checklist, start by counting:

• Each bank or credit union that will close or retitle an account
• Each life insurance or employer benefit claim (usually one per carrier)
• Major retirement or pension accounts
• Any vehicle or property title transfers
• Probate court filings, if probate is required

As you begin making calls, ask one question that can save certificates: “Do you need a certified copy now, or will a scan work to start?” Some institutions accept a scan for intake and only require a certified copy at the final step. That can help you keep certified originals available for the places that insist on them up front.

Where to get more if you run short

Families often request certificates through the funeral home handling arrangements.

If you later need replacements, you can usually order directly from the state or local office that issued the record—sometimes by mail, in person, or online. If you’re trying to order death certificates online, start with the official state or county site for the location of death, then confirm requirements for ID, eligibility, and fees.

When certificates arrive, store the originals together and keep a simple log of where each certified copy was mailed or handed off. That small step makes it easier to track what was returned and what was retained by an institution.

If you want a broader view of paperwork that may come up soon—including death certificates, cremation authorizations, and permits—Funeral.com’s guide to documents families actually need after a death can help you see what matters now versus what can wait.

Why the paperwork conversation often overlaps with cremation decisions

Death certificates are about legal proof, but families are often making emotional decisions at the same time—burial vs. cremation, a ceremony or no ceremony, and how to memorialize someone in a way that feels truthful.

Cremation is now the majority choice in much of the U.S., which is one reason cremation-related questions come up alongside estate tasks. The National Funeral Directors Association reports a projected U.S. cremation rate of 63.4% in 2025. The Cremation Association of North America reports a U.S. cremation rate of 61.8% in 2024 and projects 67.9% by 2029.

In practical terms, that means many families are managing certificates and claims while also deciding what kind of memorial will hold the ashes—and how quickly that choice needs to be made (often, it doesn’t need to be immediate).

Cremation urns, keepsakes, pet memorials, and jewelry

After a cremation, you can often take time to decide what to do with ashes. Some families start with a temporary container and choose a permanent memorial later, once the first wave of paperwork and phone calls settles.

Cremation urns for ashes, including small and keepsake options

Choosing cremation urns for ashes usually comes down to two questions: where the urn will be kept, and whether the ashes will remain together. Funeral.com’s cremation urns collection is a helpful starting point if you want to browse styles and materials. If the plan includes sharing ashes, small cremation urns can hold a meaningful portion in a compact form, while keepsake urns are designed for very small, shareable amounts.

If you want a clear, practical walkthrough of size, material, and closure, read How to Choose a Cremation Urn.

Keeping ashes at home and planning a water burial

Many families consider keeping ashes at home, either permanently or “for now.” The NFDA reports that among people who prefer cremation, 37.1% prefer their remains kept in an urn at home. Funeral.com’s guide to keeping ashes at home covers safe storage and the practical realities that help a home memorial stay respectful over time.

If a water burial or burial at sea is part of the plan, federal rules may apply in U.S. ocean waters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency summarizes burial-at-sea requirements, and Funeral.com’s water burial guide translates those rules into planning decisions families can actually use.

For a broader set of ideas and options, Funeral.com’s article on what to do with ashes can help you explore what feels right without forcing a single “correct” choice.

Pet urns for ashes and pet keepsake memorials

Pets are family, and pet grief deserves the same care. While death certificates are not typically part of pet loss, families often want meaningful options for pet urns. Funeral.com’s pet urns for ashes collection includes a wide range of pet cremation urns. If you want something that feels especially personal, pet figurine cremation urns can reflect a pet’s presence in a comforting way, and pet keepsake cremation urns can help family members share a small portion respectfully.

Cremation jewelry and cremation necklaces

For families who want a memorial that travels, cremation jewelry holds a very small amount of ashes in a sealed piece designed for daily wear. Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection includes many styles, and cremation necklaces are often a starting point because they are discreet and familiar. For a gentle primer on how these pieces work and what they typically hold, see Cremation Jewelry 101.

A steadier path through the weeks ahead

Ordering enough certified death certificates is a practical way to reduce future delays, but it’s also a quiet act of care: it gives you breathing room to make memorial decisions at a human pace. If you’re also weighing costs and options, Funeral.com’s guide on how much does cremation cost can help you understand what drives the total. And if you’re still in the earliest days and want help choosing what comes first, Funeral.com’s first 48 hours checklist can help you decide what truly needs attention now.