After the death, the funeral home usually asks you how many certified copies of the death certificate you need. Because it takes some time to get the death certificates, you should make sure you have enough originals to hand out to those who will need them.
You might need a death certificate for Social Security, the Veteran’s Administration, to transfer retirement accounts and bank accounts, to transfer title to vehicles, and other reasons. You will also need an original for the probate court and will need one for each defendant in a wrongful death case.
To save time and hassle later on, always order more death certificates than you think you will need. If you do run out, you can order a death certificate online, over the phone, in person, or by mail. Only certain people can order death certificates since they do not become public record for 50 years after the death of your loved one.
Immediate family members—the spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, and grandparents, and the legal representatives of the listed relatives—are the only people that can order a death certificate.