District of Columbia Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in District of Columbia. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the DC Health - Vital Records Division, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its DC Health - Vital Records Division website.

Getting a Death Certificate in District of Columbia

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in District of Columbia requires submitting a request to the DC Health - Vital Records Division. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its DC Health - Vital Records Division website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In District of Columbia, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the DC Health - Vital Records Division by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the DC Health - Vital Records Division website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Payment

Who Can Request a District of Columbia Death Certificate

District of Columbia restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling (18+)
  • Grandparent
  • Legal representative

District of Columbia Vital Records Office Contact

DC Health - Vital Records Division

Address
899 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone
(202) 671-5000
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in District of Columbia

Death certificates in District of Columbia can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 1 counties.

Show all 1 District of Columbia counties
  • District of Columbia

Order from the District of Columbia vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the District of Columbia vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

District of Columbia vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in District of Columbia

If you are working with a funeral home in District of Columbia, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions - District of Columbia

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the DC Health - Vital Records Division website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the DC Health - Vital Records Division website.

Most requests in District of Columbia go through the state vital records office at DC Health - Vital Records Division. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in District of Columbia, you request it from District of Columbia vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in District of Columbia | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order