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Mississippi · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Vital Records (state level - Ridgeland, MS)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Mississippi death records are CONFIDENTIAL for 50 years after recording. After 50 years, available for genealogical research. Eligible requesters: immediate family, legal representatives, and those with legitimate interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Ridgeland State Office): MSDH Office of Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157; Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; bring valid photo ID; pay fee in cash, money order, cashier's check, or credit card; NOTE: death certificates are mailed to the customer (not issued same day in person - allow 7-10 business days)
  4. BY MAIL: Complete the death certificate application (available at msdh.ms.gov); include valid photo ID copy; send cashier's check or bank/postal money order payable to "Mississippi Vital Records" (NO personal checks, NO cash); mail to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700; allow at least 3 weeks from mailing before inquiring
  5. BY PHONE (VitalChek): Call (601) 206-8200; VitalChek processes phone orders for additional fee; payment by credit card
  6. ONLINE (VitalChek): Online orders available through VitalChek with additional fee
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of relationship
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application (msdh.ms.gov)
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (copy for mail orders)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or legitimate interest
  • Payment: credit card (in person or VitalChek); cashier's check or bank/postal money order for mail (NO personal checks; NO cash by mail)
Fee
$17 per certified copy; each additional copy of same record at same time: $6; VitalChek adds convenience fee; 5-year record search fee: $17 if date uncertain
Processing Time
In person: mailed within 7-10 business days (not same-day for death certificates); mail: allow 3+ weeks; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (authorized vendor)
Where to Go
MSDH Office of Vital Records, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157 (in person); P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700 (mail)
Mississippi Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Mississippi death records CONFIDENTIAL for 50 years; after 50 years, accessible for genealogical research.
  • MSDH has records from November 1912 to present; before November 1912, contact MDAH.
  • Important: even when ordering in person at Ridgeland, death certificates are MAILED (not handed over same day) - allow 7-10 business days.
  • Birth certificates, by contrast, are issued same day in person if no search is required.
  • MSDH does NOT maintain divorce records - contact Chancery Clerk in the county where divorce was granted.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
MSDH Bureau of Vital Records - msdh.ms.gov/page/31,0,109.html | (601) 206-8200 | [email protected] | 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157; mail: P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700