Death certificates
What is the death certificate used for?
Short answer
Banks, investment accounts, life insurance claims, Social Security, pension, veterans benefits, vehicle title transfer, real estate, probate court, utility accounts, voter registration removal, and passport cancellation. Almost every financial and legal step requires one.
What this usually means
Banks, investment accounts, life insurance claims, Social Security, pension, veterans benefits, vehicle title transfer, real estate, probate court, utility accounts, voter registration removal, and passport cancellation. Almost every financial and legal step requires one.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.