Death certificates
How many death certificates do I need?
Short answer
Most families need 8–12 certified copies. Each bank, insurance company, and government agency usually wants its own original certified copy. Getting too few is a common and expensive mistake — you will pay for each reorder.
What this usually means
Most families need 8–12 certified copies. Each bank, insurance company, and government agency usually wants its own original certified copy. Getting too few is a common and expensive mistake — you will pay for each reorder.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.