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How to Get a Death Certificate & Agencies to Notify After Death

By: Nathan Whiteoak • Edited by: Katelynne Shepard • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Williams, LL.B(Hons) • 2 cited sources • Updated Aug 30, 2024

You might feel overwhelmed by the things you need to do while grieving the loss of a loved one. The best way to cope is to tackle the legal requirements step by step. Getting a death certificate is step one. Once you have this document, you can start notifying various agencies.

Key Takeaways

• There are legal requirements to notify various agencies of a death.
• Many agencies require a death certificate.
• You need a death certificate to begin probate.

How to Get a Death Certificate After a Loved One Passes Away

A death certificate is a legal document that proves someone has passed away. It will help you deal with the agencies you need to notify after death. If you feel overwhelmed by how to get a death certificate, remember that support is available.

First, gather information, including the deceased’s name, date of death, county of residence, and your own ID. Make your request at the local records office for a fee of $5 to $30 per copy.

If death occurs overseas, go to the U.S. embassy or consulate to get a death certificate.

What Information Is Included on a Death Certificate?

A death certificate contains the following information about the deceased:

• Name
• Social Security number
• Last recorded address
• Parents’ names and dates of birth
• Spouse’s name
• Date and time of birth
• Date and time of death
• Place of death
• Cause of death
• Medical examiner’s signature

What Is a Death Certificate Used For?

You need a death certificate to arrange burial or cremation of the body and claim Medicaid, Social Security, pension benefits, or burial benefits for veterans^[1]. 

The death certificate will also need to be supplied to the court to start probate. This is the process of distributing property according to the deceased’s will.

Finally, the death certificate is necessary to access the deceased’s bank accounts. If they had a mortgage or other debts, use the death certificate to let lenders know they have passed away.

Can Anyone Order a Copy of a Death Certificate?

In most states, only close relatives, the executor, or beneficiaries of a will can get an official copy of a death certificate. Some states allow any adult to get unofficial copies, but these can’t be used for legal purposes.

What Government Agencies and Offices Should I Notify After the Death of a Loved One?

Here are the agencies you must notify after death. Take your time and don’t hesitate to seek support.

Social Security Administration 

If the deceased was receiving Social Security payments, which are partial payments to qualified people who have retired, become disabled, or lost a loved one, the payments may need to be halted. Notify the Social Security Administration so they can stop payments.  

How to Notify Social Security of a Death

Provide the deceased person’s Social Security number to the funeral director and let them report the death. Alternatively, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213^[2].

Credit Bureaus and Financial Institutions

Next, report the death to the credit bureaus to prevent identity theft. Contact credit card companies, banks, and other financial institutions where the deceased held accounts.

How to Notify Credit Bureaus and Financial Institutions 

You only need to notify one of the credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. They’ll tell the others. You must contact other financial institutions individually.

Medicaid or Other Public Benefit Offices 

Medicaid and other public benefit offices need to know so they can cancel payments.

How to Notify Medicare of a Death

The SSA will notify Medicare and Medicaid of the death.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

You need to file a final federal tax return for the deceased and pay any tax the person owed. Sarah-Jane Williams, an unregistered barrister, explains that such tax payments generally come from the deceased’s estate, not from their loved one’s private funds. However, if you jointly filed with a deceased spouse, you retain personal liability for unpaid taxes. 

How to Notify the IRS of the Loss of a Loved One

When sending a paper return, write “deceased” on the top. For e-filing, the software should guide you.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Cancel the deceased’s driver’s license, license plates, and disabled parking permits to prevent identity theft.

How to Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of a Passing

Visit your local DMV with the death certificate, driver’s license, disability permits, vehicle title and registration, and license plates. 

U.S. State Department (Passport Office)

Return the person’s passport to the U.S. State Department so they can cancel it.

How to Notify the U.S. State Department of a Death

Include the passport, death certificate, and a letter saying whether you want the passport to be destroyed or returned to you.

Insurance Companies

Letting insurance companies know a policyholder has died means they’ll stop taking payments and cancel the policy.

How to Notify Insurance Companies

Contact each insurance company individually.

Post Office

You can notify the Post Office to stop mail being sent.

How to Notify the Post Office

When probate is complete, mail or hand-deliver a copy of the probate order to your local post office to stop all mail to the deceased person.

Former Employer of the Deceased

Notify your loved one’s employer promptly so they can arrange coverage and issue any owed payments or benefits.

How to Notify the Deceased’s Former Employer

Call or email the human resources department. Include funeral arrangements so coworkers can attend.

Landlord and Utility Company

Contact the landlord to set a date for moving the deceased’s belongings out of the home. Ask whether they want to transfer utilities to their name or cancel them.

How to Notify the Landlord and Utility Company of a Loved One’s Passing

Notify the landlord by phone call or email. Utility companies usually have a phone number to call or an online service you can use.

The Importance of Getting a Death Certificate In a Timely Manner

Losing a loved one is hard, but it’s important to obtain a death certificate from the local records office and use it to notify agencies. Doing this in a timely manner can save you a lot of confusion and difficulty later down the line. But, remember, support is available if you feel overwhelmed.

Written by Nathan Whiteoak

Nathan Whiteoak, a graduate in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, has developed a diverse writing portfolio over the last 14 years. As a writer and editor, Nathan has worked on a variety of projects, delivering content in the fields of technology, health, medicine, travel, and home services. Clients rely on Nathan for accurate content, a consistent brand voice, and a fast turnaround time. His personal interests include hiking, swing dancing, writing short fiction, and circus skills.

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Edited by Katelynne Shepard

Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle's work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.

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Subject Matter Expert Sarah-Jane Williams, LL.B(Hons)

Sarah-Jane Williams is a seasoned writer with a robust legal background, holding an LL.B (Hons) Bachelor of Laws and a Bar Training Course certification with a 'Very Competent' grade. She was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn. Her expertise as a legal SME is complemented by her diverse writing portfolio covering law, senior care, culture, and travel. With over a decade of writing experience, Sarah-Jane's work spans a wide range of subjects from engineering and health to pet care and spiritualism. Her global perspective is enriched by extensive travel and residences across four continents, enhancing her cultural insights and intercultural communication skills. Sarah-Jane's multifaceted background, including roles in housing, research, and advisory capacities, adds depth to her writing, making her a versatile contributor to any niche.