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Georgia · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Georgia Department of Public Health, State Office of Vital Records (state level) / County Vital Records Office (county level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility and certificate type:
  2. CERTIFIED COPY (with full details including SSN): Immediate family members and legal representatives only; original photo ID required (no electronic/digital ID)
  3. PLAIN PAPER COPY (SSN redacted): Members of the general public may obtain this version - no relationship proof required; anyone may order
  4. Choose your method:
  5. IN PERSON: Visit State Office of Vital Records or any county vital records office - same-day service; bring original photo ID
  6. BY MAIL: Complete application; include original photo ID (copy) and payment; mail to State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349; processing up to 10 weeks
  7. ONLINE (expedited): Order through Georgia's approved vendors - GO Certificates, ROVER, or VitalChek; $8 ROVER processing fee; 8-10 business weeks
  8. Submit application with valid original photo ID
  9. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Valid, original (NOT electronic or digital) photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting a certified copy with full SSN
  • Payment (check or money order for mail; card for in-person or online)
Fee
$25 per certified copy; $8 additional for online ROVER orders; contact DPH for current full fee schedule
Processing Time
In person: same day; mail: up to 10 weeks; online: 8-10 business weeks
Online Option
Yes - Georgia DPH ROVER, GO Certificates, or VitalChek
Where to Go
State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 (Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:00 PM); or any county vital records office
County-specific variations apply

County vital records offices can issue Georgia death records for their jurisdiction and in some cases statewide. State Office holds records from January 1919 to present. For pre-1919 records, contact county or Georgia Archives. Verify county office locations and hours at dph.georgia.gov.

Georgia Notes

Important state-specific details

  • IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: General public can obtain a plain-paper copy of a death certificate (SSN redacted) without proving family relationship - more permissive than most states for public access.
  • Certified copies with full details: restricted to immediate family and legal representatives.
  • Electronic or digital ID NOT accepted - must present original physical ID.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA each require a copy; most families need 6-10.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial filing - contact them for recent deaths.
  • Marriage records: DPH holds records from 1952 to 1996 only; for records outside that range, contact the county Probate Court where the marriage was recorded.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Georgia DPH State Office of Vital Records - dph.georgia.gov/ways-request-vital-record | (404) 679-4701 | 1680 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349