Order your government-issued Connecticut divorce certificate from home.
Start your application now.
Order Connecticut Death Certificate
Trusted by +1.5 million customers
Order with confidence
Learn how to order Connecticut Death Certificate from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH). The standard processing time is currently 12 to 13 weeks. The state fee for certified copies of death records is $20.00 each. Authorized individuals who can order include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.
You can order a Connecticut death certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order death certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the CTDPH for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your death certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. To ensure a smooth application process, confirm and review the eligibility criteria, requirements, and the total costs and processing time.
Requesting a Connecticut death certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
Connecticut death certificate are public records available to anyone with a valid identification and request form. The application will need information on the deceased. Official death certificate with social security numbers and demographic information are only accessible to select individuals with proof of valid identification and proof of relationship to the deceased.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Must be at least 18 years old. |
Cost & fees
The fees for obtaining a death certificate in Connecticut vary by the CTDPH and the request method. The CTDPH charges $20.00 per certified copy. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering death certificates.
A deceased veteran's spouse, child, or parent can receive one free copy of the death certificate if they provide a valid identification and proof of relationship to the decedent.
State Fee |
|---|
$20.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $20.00 |
It is generally recommended to order at least three to four certified copies of a Connecticut death certificate. Multiple copies are often needed simultaneously for different purposes, and having extras on hand can save time and additional fees later.
Common situations requiring a certified copy include closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property titles, settling the estate through probate court, and notifying government agencies such as the Social Security Administration. Each institution typically requires its own original certified copy and will not accept photocopies.
Ordering additional copies at the time of your initial request is more cost-effective than placing separate orders later. The Connecticut Department of Public Health charges a reduced fee for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
A certified copy of a Connecticut death certificate is a vital legal document required in numerous situations following a person's passing.
Connecticut death certificates are commonly required to:
• Settle the deceased's estate — Probate courts require a certified death certificate to begin the estate settlement process, distribute assets, and transfer property titles.
• Claim life insurance benefits — Insurance companies require an official certified copy before processing any death benefit claims.
• Close or transfer financial accounts — Banks, investment firms, and retirement account administrators need a certified copy to release funds or transfer account ownership.
• Apply for survivor benefits — The Social Security Administration and other agencies require a death certificate when applying for survivor or dependent benefits.
• Transfer vehicle titles and real estate — The Connecticut DMV and town clerk's office require certified copies for ownership transfers.
Processing time
Processing and replacement times for Connecticut death certificates may vary. Current processing times are approximately 12 to 13 weeks. The total waiting time will depend on how you submit your application and the necessary documents. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.
Processing Time |
|---|
12 to 13 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered |
Authorization
By Connecticut law, death certificates become public records six months after death. Following that period, the general public can access a short-form or long-form version (with the social security number removed). However, original long-form death certificates, which include the social security number and demographics, are only accessible to authorized individuals. Before the waiting period, only authorized individuals can request certified copies with valid identification and meet the eligibility requirements.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health generally does not require a notarization for death certificate applications, regardless of the chosen submission method.
Tracking
When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.
If you manually mail your vital records request to the CDPH, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to know when it arrives. Once the state office sends out your certificate to you, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
In Connecticut, death records are generally considered public records after a certain period. However, access to recent death records may be restricted to eligible applicants, including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal or financial interest.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health maintains death records and sets the rules for who can obtain certified copies versus non-certified copies. A certified copy serves as a legal document suitable for official transactions, while a non-certified copy is typically used for informational or genealogical research purposes.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to obtain a certified copy of a Connecticut death certificate, VitalRecordsOnline.com can help guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process.
You can also request other Connecticut vital records through Vital Records Online:
You can also explore our related guides:
frequently asked questions
Yes, most funeral homes in Connecticut will order certified copies of the death certificate as part of their services. They typically file the death certificate with the local registrar and can request multiple copies for the family. You can also order additional copies later through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Connecticut death records are generally accessible, though recent records may have restrictions on who can obtain certified copies. Eligible individuals include immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal interest. Older records may be more freely available for genealogical research.
If you are unsure of the exact details such as the full legal name or date of death, you can contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health's vital records office for assistance. VitalRecordsOnline.com can also help guide you through the search process and assist with locating the correct record.
You can request a Connecticut death certificate from the Connecticut Department of Public Health or the Town Clerk in the town where the death occurred. The Department of Public Health accepts requests online, by mail, or in person at their Hartford office. Town Clerk offices offer in-person service and may provide faster turnaround. Mail requests require a completed application and a check or money order.
A certified copy of a Connecticut death certificate costs $20. Additional copies are $20 each. Fees may vary at Town Clerk offices. Online orders may include convenience and processing fees. If you need multiple copies for insurance, estate, or property transfer purposes, plan accordingly.
Connecticut death certificates are restricted records. Eligible requesters include the surviving spouse or domestic partner, a parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased, the executor or administrator of the estate, a funeral director, and government agencies acting in an official capacity. Each requester must provide valid identification. An authorized party may also designate a representative through a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA).
Yes. You can order a Connecticut death certificate online through the Department of Public Health or authorized third-party services. You will need the full name of the deceased, date of death, and town where the death occurred. Online orders require a credit or debit card.
An official certified death certificate from the Connecticut Department of Health and Social Services (CTDPH) will have unique security features to ensure its authenticity. The appearance of an official death certificate may vary depending on the year of issue. Yet, it will contain essential details confirming the individual's identity at death. Official death certificates from Connecticut typically feature the state seal, the individual's name, the date and place of death, and the state registrar's signature. They are printed on secure, tamper-resistant paper with watermarks and other security elements. The CTDPH issues these certificates by state guidelines, and all counties follow these secure issuance procedures.
The process for correcting or amending a death certificate in Connecticut depends on the type of correction needed. When an amendment is made, the original certificate remains unchanged; instead, a new certificate is issued with the corrected information.
Types of corrections may include fixing misspelled names, correcting dates or places of death, updating demographic details such as age or marital status, or modifying the cause of death. Changes to the cause of death require appropriate medical or legal documentation.
Complete the Connecticut Affidavit Form: To request an affidavit form or for general questions regarding amendments, you can contact CTDPH at 860-509-7956 or contact the Vital Records office in the town where the vital event occurred for further information to determine who is entitled to make the requested change and what type of documentation will need to be presented to the town to support the requested amendment or correction.
Supporting documentation requirements vary based on the type of correction.
Submit your amendment request either by mail or in person. For mail submissions, send the completed Request for Amendment form and supporting documents to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health Vital Records Office 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11VRS P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308
You can make in-person submissions at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, or local town health departments. See the Town Vital Records Directory for contact information.
The amendment fee: There is no processing fee for amendments or corrections.
Processing times: simple amendments typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. More complex amendments involving medical or legal documentation may require additional processing time, depending on the nature of the correction and the level of review needed.
You can order an apostille directly through the Secretary of State or VRO’s Online Express Apostille Service. The Secretary of State issues Apostilles, often required when filing a Connecticut death certificate with a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
The Apostille can be added to documents that have the official signature and seal of a Connecticut notary public, probate judge, or the current Connecticut State Registrar.
We offer comprehensive apostille services for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 US states. Governments and organizations acknowledge the service, which is legally valid in over 100 countries. VRO’s service comes with expert support, costs $149 (plus government fees), and can be accomplished online in just three steps.
If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille to the Connecticut Secretary of State's Office, you will need to provide the following items:
Submit your request to the Connecticut Secretary of State Authentication and Apostille Unit at the following addresses:
In-person/by mail (standard or express courier):
The Connecticut Secretary of State's website provides more information about requirements and restrictions for obtaining apostilles for Connecticut death certificates. You can also reach the office at (860) 509-6100.