Death Certificates

A Certified Death Certificate is necessary before matters of an estate can be settled.  A death certificate can be obtained through your local Funeral Director.  It is a good idea to obtain multiple copies of a death certificate as most agencies require a certified certificate and not a photocopy.

Below is a few examples of what a Certified Death Certificate would be needed for:

• Closing or Changing Signature on Bank Accounts
  
• Cashing in Life Insurance Policies
  
• Applying for Social Security Survivor Benefits
  
• Transferring Titles
  
• Settling of Estates
  

Certified Death Certificates in the State of Pennsylvania are $6 per certified copy at the time of death. Additonal copies after 90 days of death must be obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records at the cost of $20 per certified copy. Please select the Resources Tab and Links above.