After a loss

Death certificates: how many to order and who needs one

Most families end up needing more than they expect.

Almost every account, policy and agency your family deals with will ask for proof of death. Many want a certified copy, not a photocopy. A certified copy is an official copy ordered from the vital records office (or through the funeral home), with a raised or printed seal, and some keep the copy for good.

How many to order

Many families order 10 to 15 certified copies. Families with a house, several bank accounts, life insurance or a pension often need the higher end. Ordering extras at the start is cheaper and faster than going back for more later.

Who usually asks for one

• Life insurance companies
• Banks, brokerages and retirement account providers
• Pension plans and employers
• The county recorder, to retitle a house
• The DMV, to transfer a car
• The probate court, if there's probate
• The Social Security Administration, in some cases

How to order them

The funeral home usually orders the first batch for you, and it's the easiest time to do it. Later, you can order more from the vital records office in the state or county where the death happened. Most offices take orders online, by mail or in person. Online and mail orders usually arrive by mail within a few weeks, and some offices can print copies the same day for walk-in visitors. Cost is usually $10 to $30 per copy, and it varies by state.