Ordering Death Certificates

TO ORDER FROM THE STATE OFFICE	Please provide "either" a signed letter of request, or an application, with the following information. Applications are accepted in person or by mail at the State Bureau of Vital Statistics or by phone at (877) 550-7330. If submitting by mail, all signed letters of request, or applications, must be eligible (see below) and include a copy of a valid current photo ID (Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport and/or Military Identification Card) of the APPLICANT, if requesting a death certificate with cause-of-death. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (i.e. valid picture ID). For example: If you are requesting death certificate with cause-of-death, include a "copy" of your own ID since you are the applicant. Enlarge the copy and lighten it as much as possible to ensure it is clear and readable when sent to the State Bureau of Vital Statistics. Availability: Limited Florida Deaths were recorded between the years of 1877 and 1917.

*Step 1*	Determine your Eligibility to receive a death certificate
	In Florida, anyone may order a Florida Death Certificate "Without cause of death". A Florida Death Certificate "With Cause of Death" is confidential by Florida Law and may only be issued as follows: To the decedent's spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling (if 18 years of age or older). To any person who provides a "Will" that has been executed pursuant to state statute 732.502; an insurance policy or other document that demonstrates his or her interest in the estate of the decedent; Or to any person who provides documentation that he or she is acting on behalf of any of the previously mentioned persons. Fifty (50) years following the date of death, "Cause of death" becomes public information and anyone may obtain a Death Certificate with this information. Any time period prior to the fifty years, "cause of death" is considered confidential by Florida law. Requesting cause of death information
	If the death did not occur in Florida, please go to the following link to order certificates from other states: Death outside of Florida - Where to write for death certificates

*Step 2*	Provide information about the person named on the certificate
	Full name of the deceased person Sex Date of death (month, day, year or series of years to be searched) City or County of death Social Security number, if known.

Step 3

Provide information about the person ordering the certificate

Full name
Relationship to decedent (if requesting cause of death)
Mailing address
Phone number where you can be reached during business hours Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time.
Funeral Director or Attorney's professional license number, if they are ordering the certificate.
Signature of Applicant
Letter's or applications must include a copy of a valid PICTURE ID, which is required for death certificates with cause of death. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. If legal guardian, please include notarized guardianship documents.

Step 4

Type of Death Certificate

type of certificate	description	cost
1. Photocopy certification	Photocopy of the original record with embossed seal of Florida.	$5.00 ea.

2. Additional copies	Additional copies of the above certificates when ordered at the same time.	$4.00 ea.

Step 5

Select Delivery Method

Note: The Vital Statistics processing time does not include postal transit time to and from our office. We cannot predict how long the mail/courier will take.

delivery method	description	additional cost	Vital Statistics processing time
Standard	Normal delivery option (included with certificate purchase). Certificates sent via U.S. mail.	$0.00	Approximately 10 business days

Rush	For Rush delivery please mark your request "RUSH". Certificates are sent via U.S. Mail unless a pre-paid express delivery envelope has been provided.	$10.00	Processed before normal processing time.

Express	Express service is available only if a pre-paid express delivery envelope has been provided and the $10.00 RUSH Fee is paid. A signature is required upon delivery.	$10 Rush Fee Plus a Pre-paid express delivery envelope.	1-2 business days

Step 6

Determine your Method of Payment

Request submitted...	Type of payment accepted
by Mail	Make your Check or money order payable to "Vital Statistics". Please do NOT send cash.

by Phone or FAX (fastest service)	Remote ordering using credit cards only (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). If payment is by credit card an additional $17 will be added to your order. This is a $10 rush and $7 VitalChek Service fee. Vital Statistics does not accept credit cards. However, a private service provider (The VitalChek Network), which is not part of the state of Florida, offers the service for Vital Statistics customers.

in person at the Bureau of Vital Statistics	Cash, checks, money orders, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Step 7

Mail, Fax, Phone or Bring your request and payment to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Orders can NOT be placed through this website

Mailing address Death Certificate Application	Bureau of Vital Statistics Attn: Client Services P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042

In person go to:	Bureau of Vital Statistics 1217 Pearl St. Jacksonville, FL 32202 (lobby hours: M-F 8:00-4:30 eastern time)

Phone	(904) 359-6900 extension 9000 M-F 8:00 - 5:00 EST (Credit card orders will be accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (877) 550-7330 (automated voice system)

FAX Death Certificate Application	Credit card orders may also be faxed directly to VitalChek for credit card acceptance at: (877) 550-7428
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Email any questions you have to VitalStats@doh.state.fl.us
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