Death Certificates

Who may request a death certificate?

Death Certificates are only issued to applicants having a direct and tangible interest, primary immediate family members, or legal representatives of the decedent.  Although, a death certificate can be issued to the general public but will exclude the decedent's social security number and cause of death.

What general information is required when requesting a Death Certificate?

Georgia law and the Department of Public Health regulations require that all requests for vital records include the signature and picture ID of the requestor and the proper fee.

Typically, the person requesting a certified copy of a death record needs only to provide:

1.  A completed and signed Death Certificate Request Form which can be found in the menu on the left under Death Certificates.  For mail in request, please use the request form at the bottom of this page.

2.  Provide the applicable fee(s) noted below:
      $25.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional of the same individual, same day visit

3.  A photocopy of your valid photo ID such as one of the following:

• Georgia Driver’s license unexpired or expired for not more than one year
• State of Georgia Identification Card unexpired or expired for not more than one year
• State of Georgia Weapons Carry License - New
• Unexpired driver’s license issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory
• Unexpired official Identification Card issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction or territory
• Unexpired U.S. Passport
• Unexpired Foreign Passport
• U.S. Military Identification, Military Dependent Identification, Veteran’s Identification
• Unexpired Consulate Card
• Transportation ID
• Debit Card with Picture
• Employer ID Card
• School, University, or College Identification Card
• DMV ID Card
• Department of Corrections Identification Card

However, as explained below, there are instances in which specific documentation is required based on who is requesting the record.

• The parent(s) named on the death record- Must provide valid picture identification.
• An authorized legal guardian or agent- Any person who had legal custody or control of the decedent must provide a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship and legal custody.
• Grandparents of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship such as the birth certificate of the registrant’s parent.
• An adult child or adult sibling of the person named on the certificate- Must provide proof of relationship by providing a copy of his or her birth certificate listing one of the same parents, along with his or her valid government issued picture identification which includes signature.
• The spouse of the person named on the certificate- Must provide a valid picture identification.
• Attorney-Must represent an immediate family member and provide a notarized letter on letterhead signed by the attorney; provide bar number indicating reason for the request and whom they represent; provide supporting documentation with the fee.
• State or Federal Government Officials-The State Registrar or the local custodian may disclose data from Vital Records to authorized representatives of Federal, State, or County agencies of government which request such data in the conduct of their official duties.