How to Amend Death Certificates

Amendments to death certificates usually involve forms and processing fees.

The business of death can be particularly hard when you find a mistake on a death certificate. Fortunately, death certificates are routinely amended. All you have to do is fill out some forms, make sure you have proof that the amendments you need to make are valid and pay a processing fee.

Instructions

1. Go to the local government agency in charge of death certificates. This is usually the state department of health.

2. Ask for an affidavit to amend death certificate information.

3. Fill out the form completely and accurately.

4. Return the form to the proper agency along with any required documentation and processing fees.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm with local officials regarding the process to amend a death certificate, as it varies from state to state in the U.S.

• Check your local state health department website; many states list the process involved for amending a death certificate and have forms available online.

References

• California Department of Public Health: Correcting or Amending Vital Records
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Amendment to a Birth or Death Record
• The Kansas Department of Health and Environment: How to Amend Death Certificates
• Florida Department of Health: Amendments