Home › Hawaii › How-To Guide
Hawaii · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Records Section (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Hawaii death records are restricted to those who can establish a direct and tangible interest in the record. Eligible requesters include immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling) and others with documented legal or financial interest (estate attorneys, insurers, co-owners of property, etc.).
  2. Choose your method:
  3. ONLINE: Order at vitrec.ehawaii.gov - upload government-issued photo ID; payment by credit/debit card; certificates mailed
  4. BY MAIL: Complete application form; include copy of photo ID, proof of relationship/interest, and payment (money order or cashier's/certified check - NO personal checks, NO cash); mail to: Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801-9984
  5. IN PERSON (Oahu): DOH office, 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 103, Honolulu; Mon-Fri 7:45 AM-2:30 PM; APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED
  6. NEIGHBOR ISLANDS: Contact your local District Health Office or order online
  7. Submit application with valid photo ID and proof of direct and tangible interest
  8. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application form
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Documentation establishing direct and tangible interest in the record (relationship proof, insurance documents, legal documents, etc.)
  • Payment (credit/debit card online; money order or cashier's check for mail - NO personal checks, NO cash)
Fee
$10 first certified copy; $4 each additional copy of same record; $10 non-refundable search fee if no record found; $2.50 portal administration fee for online orders
Processing Time
Online orders: approximately 10 business days; mail: approximately 6-8 weeks; in-person: approximately 10 business days
Online Option
Yes - vitrec.ehawaii.gov
Where to Go
DOH Vital Records, 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 103, Honolulu; District Health Offices (neighbor islands); vitrec.ehawaii.gov (online)
Hawaii Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Hawaii requires proof of "direct and tangible interest" - more restrictive than some states; must document your legal right to the record.
  • NO personal checks accepted - money order or cashier's/certified check only for mail orders.
  • Certificates typically NOT issued the same day even for in-person orders - processing takes approximately 10 business days.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each require a certified copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing - contact them for recent deaths.
  • Letter of verification ($5): alternative to certified copy; verifies existence without disclosing record details.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Hawaii DOH Vital Records - health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/death-certificates | (808) 586-4539 | P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801-9984; online: vitrec.ehawaii.gov