How to Find Out the Death Date of an Individual
If you're trying to find the death date of an individual such as a relative or ancestor, you may be at a loss trying to figure out how to locate the information. A death certificate is a legal document, and is filed at both the county and the state offices of the state in which the person died. You'll be pleased to learn it's not too complicated to find a death date of an individual, and you might be able do it from the comfort of your home.
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Instructions
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Locate the Vital Records office of the state in which the person died; the Centers for Disease Control website (see Resources) provides contact information for each state.
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Visit the state office and request a copy of the person's death certificate. You will be given a form to fill out, asking the full name of the deceased, their date of birth and the date and place where they died. Fill out as much information as you can and explain to the clerk that you're seeking the date of death.
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Provide proof that you are related to the person on the death certificates. Typically, if a death occurred less than 50 years ago the death certificate can only be given to the parent, child, legal guardian or spouse of the deceased and you must show valid identification and proof of relationship to receive the information.
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Pay the nominal fee to receive the death certificate copy. You will now have the death date of the individual.
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Tips & Warnings
Most states employ a third-party vendor who will allow you to order a copy of a death certificate online.
Most states offer a search of records service that will cover a set number of years.
For genealogical records and deaths that occurred 50 years ago or more, there is no need for identification or proof of relationship.
