How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Town Vital Records Office / Town Clerk (town level) OR Connecticut DPH State Vital Records Office (state level)

Step by Step

How to do it

Note: Connecticut death certificates are NOT restricted - anyone age 18 or older may purchase a certified copy; no proof of relationship required
Choose your method:
IN PERSON: Visit the Town Clerk/Vital Records office in the town where the death occurred (most towns process same day during business hours); or the State Vital Records Office walk-in hours
BY MAIL: Complete the death certificate request form; include payment; mail to the town where the death occurred or to the State Vital Records Office
ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek (only approved third-party vendor for CT DPH)
Provide name of decedent, date of death, and town where death occurred
Pay the fee
Receive certificate

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed death certificate request form
Name of decedent and date/location of death
Valid photo ID (18+ years old)
Proof of eligibility for decedent's Social Security number (if requesting SSN access - requires proof of identity and relationship)
Payment (money order to state office; check or money order to town office)

Fee

$20 per certified copy (both town-issued and state-issued); online via VitalChek: state fee plus additional processing fees

Processing Time

Town office: same day in person; state office walk-in: same day during limited hours; mail: varies by volume; VitalChek: faster with surcharge

Online Option

Yes - VitalChek through portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records

Where to Go

Town Clerk/Vital Records office in the town where the death occurred (faster); State Vital Records Office, 410 Capitol Avenue, 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106; VitalChek online

Connecticut Notes

Important state-specific details

Connecticut death certificates are OPEN RECORDS - anyone 18+ can purchase a certified copy without proving relationship; this is more permissive than most states.
VETERAN'S EXEMPTION: Spouse, child, or parent of a deceased veteran may obtain ONE FREE certified copy; present valid photo ID and proof of relationship at time of request.
Decedent's Social Security number is restricted - only eligible parties (with proof of identity and relationship) can access the SSN on the death certificate.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance companies, banks, and SSA each require a certified copy; most families need 6-10 copies.
Funeral homes typically assist with initial death certificate filing - contact them first for very recent deaths.
State office walk-in hours limited: Mon 9am-1pm, Wed 9am-3:30pm, Fri 11am-3:30pm; call (860) 509-7897.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Connecticut DPH State Vital Records Office - portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records | (860) 509-7897 | 410 Capitol Avenue, 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106