Death records by state

Death records in the United States are administered by states and, in some jurisdictions, by counties or cities. The event location controls where the record was filed. Access is not uniform: states use different eligibility categories, public-access periods, identification rules, fees, and transfer schedules for archival records.

Each state guide below begins with the official vital records office and a direct answer about eligibility and the published first-copy fee. Separate pages cover certificates, obituaries, burial records, death indexes, and probate files. Use the office link on the page before submitting payment or identity documents because fees and processing times can change.

If you do not know which record is appropriate, compare death certificates with death indexes, then read certified versus informational copies. Historical researchers should also review records before statewide registration and the record custodian definition.