The death of a loved one is a deeply emotional time. In addition to dealing with grief, there are many practical matters that require attention. One of these important tasks is obtaining a death certificate. This official document serves as legal proof of death and is necessary for various purposes, including:
- Closing bank accounts and credit cards
- Transferring titles to property
- Collecting life insurance benefits
- Settling the deceased’s estate
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and obtaining death certificates in New York City. We’ll explore the different types of death certificates available, the reasons why you might need one, the information typically included on a death certificate, and the process of obtaining a copy in NYC.
Types of Death Certificates
There are two primary types of death certificates available in New York City:
- Certified Copy: This is the official document with a raised seal, issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). It serves as legal proof of death and is required for most official purposes.
- Informational Copy: This is an uncertified copy that does not have a raised seal. It may be acceptable for some purposes, but generally not for official transactions.
Reasons to Get a Death Certificate
There are several reasons why you might need to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate:
- Financial Matters: You may need a death certificate to close bank accounts, credit card accounts, or investment accounts belonging to the deceased.
- Social Security Benefits: To notify the Social Security Administration of the death and ensure any survivor benefits are stopped or transferred appropriately.
- Insurance Claims: Life insurance companies and other insurers may require a death certificate to process claims.
- Transferring Property: If the deceased owned property, a death certificate may be necessary to transfer ownership to heirs or beneficiaries.
- Probate: If the deceased had a will or needed to go through probate court, a death certificate will likely be required.
- Travel Documents: A death certificate may be necessary to obtain a passport or travel documents for a minor child whose parent has died.
What Death Records Tell You
A death certificate typically includes the following information:
- Decedent’s Information: Full name, date of birth, place of birth, usual residence
- Death Information: Date of death, time of death, place of death
- Cause of Death: This section will detail the manner and cause of death, including contributing factors.
- Informant: The person who provided the information on the death certificate (usually a family member, funeral director, or medical professional)
- Filed By: The agency or person who filed the death certificate
Please note: The specific information included on a death certificate may vary slightly depending on the state or municipality where the death occurred.
Where to Find Death Records in NYC
In New York City, death certificates are issued by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). You can obtain a certified copy of a death certificate in person, by mail, or online.
- In Person: You can visit any borough office of the DOHMH Bureau of Vital Records to apply for a death certificate in person. Bring a valid form of identification and proof of relationship to the deceased (if required). There is a fee associated with obtaining a certified copy.
- By Mail: You can download a mail-in application form from the DOHMH website. Complete the form, include a copy of your valid ID and proof of relationship (if required), and mail it to the address provided along with the application fee.
- Online: New York City offers online ordering of death certificates through a third-party vendor. There is a fee associated with this service, which may be higher than obtaining a copy in person or by mail.
Here are some resources to help you obtain a death certificate in NYC
- DOHMH Bureau of Vital Records: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records.page
- Online Death Certificate Ordering: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-death-records.page
Additional Considerations
- Waiting Period: There is typically a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks before a death certificate is finalized and available for ordering.
- Number of Copies: It’s advisable to order several certified copies of the death certificate at the outset, as you may need them for various purposes.
- Out-of-State Deaths: If the death occurred outside of New York City, you will need to contact the vital records office of the state where the death took place to obtain a copy of the death certificate.
We hope this information helps you understand and obtain a death certificate in New York.
See Also- A Comprehensive Guide to Challenging Bank Account Rights of Survivorship