When a loved one dies, their death certificate plays a huge role in how their affairs end up getting settled. A transfer of assets, settling of debts, and sorting out any outstanding tax obligations all require use of a person’s death certificate. It’s essential for all the information to be factually correct.
Fortunately, it’s possible to correct errors on a death certificate. We’ve created this guide to show you how the process works when you spot a mistake.
Key Takeaways
A death certificate is a legal document that registers the death of an individual with its local authority.
The process of requesting a correction varies by state, but it starts by contacting your local vital records office.
After submitting a correction, it usually takes around 12 weeks for the changes to be processed (although this varies by state).
What Is a Death Certificate, and Why Is It Important?
A death certificate is a legal document that registers the death of an individual with its local authority.
It generally states key information identifying the decedent. This includes their full name, date of birth, city of residence, and time and date of death. It will also often include the cause of death (if known and completed by a coroner or medical examiner) and have information about close surviving relatives like a spouse or partner.
Although U.S. states can issue their own death certificates, most follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s U.S. Standard Death Certificate.
A death certificate is important because it’s required to start probate proceedings. The probate process is what state courts use to distribute a decedent's assets. So if a loved one dies and you’re the beneficiary of their will, you’ll typically need to provide a death certificate to the probate court before you receive any assets.
Death certificates are also generally required for life insurance claims, fulfilling any final tax obligations a decedent may have with the IRS, and settling debts.
Why Would You Need to Make a Correction on a Death Certificate?
Unfortunately, accidents happen, and sometimes, you may find the information on a death certificate is incorrect.
Attorney at the Law Office of Ahn & Sinowitz, Min Hwan Ahn, explains:
“There are a myriad of circumstances that might necessitate a correction on a death certificate. These often involve clerical errors like misspellings or inaccuracies in personal details, cause of death, or the time and location of death.
It might also be necessary to rectify information if there's a dispute about inheritances, insurance claim applications, or in cases of identity theft.”
How Do You Correct Errors on a Death Certificate?
If you notice errors on a death certificate, there is a process you should follow to have corrections made to the official record.
It’s important to remember the corrections process varies by state depending on where the person died.
But regardless of the state in which you’re requesting a correction, the process starts by contacting your local vital records office.
Attorney at Schmidt and Clark LLP, Mike Schmidt, explains:
“Each state has its own vital records office responsible for maintaining and amending these certificates. The requirements and procedures may vary from one state to another. It's crucial to contact the specific state's vital records office to understand the exact steps and documentation required.
"To make these corrections, you typically need to provide supporting evidence, such as medical records or sworn affidavits, depending on the nature of the error.”
For example, let’s say a loved one dies in New York. If you need to make a correction to their death certificate, you’d need to book an in-person appointment or submit an application by post. You can’t request a death certificate correction online.
You must be the decedent’s spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, parent, or anyone else listed on the person’s death certificate. You also need to be 18 years or older.
You’ll then need to:
Submit a completed application form
Provide photo ID
Submit original documents with the correct information
Pay the required fees
Just remember this process isn’t homogenous across all states. Before you start gathering documentation and preparing to make a correction, you must get in touch with your local Vital Records Office to discover how the process works in your state.
How Long Does it Normally Take for Death Certificate Errors to be Corrected?
Hwan Ahn notes: “The time it takes for errors to be corrected on a death certificate varies by jurisdiction and the nature of the error but is typically a few weeks to a couple of months.”
For example, in New York, death certificate corrections take 12 weeks to process. From there, delivery of a new death certificate can take an additional two weeks. Similarly, this process takes between eight and 12 weeks in the state of Florida.
Schmidt advises it may be possible to speed up this process in certain situations: “Patience is key, as processing times can vary. Some states offer expedited services for a fee, which can significantly reduce the processing time.”
For example, the state of Texas offers this service. If you opt for an expedited correction, the changes can be processed in 20 to 25 business days, but this does cost an extra fee.
How Much Money Does it Cost to Correct Errors on a Death Certificate?
According to Schmidt: “There are often fees associated with making corrections to a death certificate. These fees also vary by state.
Be prepared to cover the costs of amending the certificate, which typically includes filing fees and any additional charges for expedited services.”
Let’s go back to our New York example.
To correct a death certificate in New York, you’ll need to pay a nonrefundable $40 application processing fee. You’ll then need to pay $15 for each death certificate copy you require after the correction has been made.
In contrast, it’s free to correct errors on a death certificate in Kansas. You just have to pay a $20 fee for each copy of the revised death certificate you want to receive after the changes have been made.
To know the exact fees you’ll have to pay, you’ll need to contact the vital records office in the state where the decedent passed away.
Gathering and Organizing Documentation to Make Corrections
According to Schmidt, the best way to keep the corrections process fast and simple is to ensure you’re totally organized. Have all the correct documentation before making an application to your local Vital Records Office.
He explains: “If you're seeking corrections, gather all necessary supporting documents and ensure they are accurate and complete. Keep a record of all your interactions and correspondence with the office, and consider using certified mail when sending documents.”
That’s where a leading Family Operating System® like Trustworthy can be instrumental.
Trustworthy enables you to upload and create digital copies of all your essential family documents. This includes IDs, life insurance policies, tax returns, financial information, birth certificates, death certificates and everything in between.
You can then give controlled access to collaborators like other family members, your attorney, accountant or wealth manager. This ensures everybody has access to the necessary documentation ahead of any request for corrections.
Want to learn more about Trustyworthy’s wide range of features? Start exploring now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if a Death Certificate Has Incorrect Information On It?
If you spot errors on a death certificate, you can request for a correction to be made by contacting your local Vital Records Office.
Can a Mistake on a Death Certificate be Changed?
Yes. Your local authority can change a mistake on a death certificate. You’ll just need to follow the relevant process in the state where the person died.
How Do You Get a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate?
You can get a certified copy of a death certificate for a U.S. citizen by contacting the Vital Records Office in the state where the decedent passed.
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