When a loved one passes away, there are many things to manage—and one of the most important documents you’ll need is the death certificate. While it may seem like just paperwork, the death certificate plays a crucial role in settling your loved one’s affairs and accessing essential services.
What Is a Death Certificate?
A death certificate is the official, government-issued record of a person’s passing. It includes key details such as:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and location of death
- Cause of death (for official copies)
- Certifying physician or medical examiner
- Funeral home or cremation provider handling arrangements
This document is filed with the local registrar or vital records office and becomes part of the public record.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate?
Eligibility to request death certificates varies slightly by state. In general, the following individuals are allowed to order them:
- The legal next of kin (spouse, adult child, parent, sibling)
- The person who arranged the cremation
- An attorney, estate executor, or legal representative
- Certain government agencies
In Washington and Oregon, you may need to provide valid identification and/or documentation showing your relationship to the deceased.
Who Needs a Death Certificate and Why?
You’ll need certified copies of the death certificate to take care of many practical matters, including:
- Closing bank accounts
- Filing insurance claims
- Accessing pensions or retirement accounts
- Handling estate and probate matters
- Notifying Social Security
- Transferring vehicle titles or real estate
Most institutions require a certified copy—not a photocopy or digital version.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost?
The cost for each certified copy is $25, which is the state-mandated fee in both Washington and Oregon.
Shipping and handling fees vary depending on:
- Whether you’re ordering from the funeral provider or the state directly
- The delivery method (standard mail, priority shipping, etc.)
We’re happy to order death certificates for you as part of our service—we’ll walk you through how many you need and when to expect them.
How Many Copies Should I Order?
This depends on your situation, but we typically recommend ordering 5–10 certified copies. It’s easier to have extras on hand than to go back and request more later (which can delay estate matters).
You may need a copy for each financial institution, insurance company, or government agency. Some may return the copy, but many do not.
Let Us Help
At Western Cremation Alliance, we handle the filing of the death certificate and can assist with ordering certified copies so you can focus on your family. We’re here to make the process a little easier—every step of the way.
Still have questions about death certificates or cremation arrangements?
We’re available 24/7 to help—just give us a call or start arrangements online.
