Where to get death certificates

[debodun]

I am interested in obtaining death certificates for my paternal grandparents. I first approached the funeral parlor and was told to go to the town hall. When I did the clerk said they had no records of my grandparents and suggested I try to find out where they passed (I assumed they both passed away at home), but could have been in the local hospital. This hospital closed over 20 years ago. Now I am at a loss where to go next. Someone suggested I go to the State's vital records, but they want $45 per certificate and you have to wait up to 10 weeks. Any ideas how I can get free or low cost copies in a hurry?

 

[Vivjen]

Over here...you can't.
they are available through the govt. website, but all have to be paid for, and it takes a little bit of time to find and despatch them.
they are legal documents after all.

 

[AZ Jim]

There is no "quick cheap" way, especially in the case of people who died so long ago.

 

[Butterfly]

There is no cheap, fast way. They make it complicated so people cannot get death certificates in order to create a fake identity. The only way to get death certificates here is through the state's vital records department, and you have to have a valid reason to request them -- family member, etc. The exception is that the funeral place handling the funeral will request copies of the death certificates to give to the family -- you request them when you are arranging the funeral. But they will not provide copies after the fact.

Back when I was working, we had to get a court order a couple of times to get needed death certificates. Same with birth certificates.

 

[ndynt]

Social Security death index will give you dates. Perhaps you can go on from there.