Certified Copies of Death

CERTIFIED COPIES OF DEATH

   If you need additional copies, the funeral home can obtain them for you for the next 90 days. The copies will be received in two to three days and the cost is $20.00 each. 

  After the 90 day period, the copies must be ordered from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will be received in approximately 10 to 16 business days.

  Military (no cost) for a deceased veteran or a spouse of a veteran. Proof of service is required.

      •Up to 12 certified copies of death can be ordered and will be received in approximately 8 to 12 business days.

      •In the future, additional copies can be order at no cost and will be received in approximately 12 to 14 business days.

  Option of Standard or Comprehensive Certified Copies

   Standard copies do not list medical information, such as the cause(s) and manner of death, but do include medical certifier’s name and address. These can be used to conduct business when the cause and manner of death is not a concern.

   Comprehensive copies list the cause(s), manner of death and medical certifier’s name and address. These most likely would be required for life insurance claims and legal issues 

Below are examples of why you may need a certified copy of death. 

___Property Deed(s)                                                 ___Stocks and Bonds

___Banks and Credit Unions                                    ___Veterans Administration

___Mortgage Companies and Lenders                    ___Family Records

___Pension Providers, one copy per provider          ___Copies may not be needed for the following:

___Life Insurance, one copy per company               ___Social Security, notified by funeral home

___Will and Estate                                                    ___Auto Title(s), forms provided by funeral home

___Credit Card and Merchant Companies

___Private Retirement Plans