There are many reasons you might need a birth certificate for someone who has passed away — from settling an estate to joining a genealogical society, applying for hereditary organization memberships, or researching your family history. Here’s how to obtain a birth certificate for a deceased person and what you need to know about eligibility and requirements.
Why Would You Need a Birth Certificate for a Deceased Person?
Common reasons for requesting a deceased person’s birth certificate include:
- Estate settlement and probate — courts may require a birth certificate to verify the identity of the deceased and establish family relationships for inheritance purposes
- Social Security survivor benefits — the Social Security Administration may request the deceased’s birth certificate when processing survivor benefit claims
- Life insurance claims — some insurance companies require the deceased’s birth certificate in addition to a death certificate
- Veterans benefits — claiming VA benefits may require documentation of the veteran’s birth
- Genealogy and family history — birth certificates provide valuable records for tracing family lineage, including parents’ names, birthplace, and other details
- Hereditary societies — organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) require birth records to verify lineage
- Dual citizenship applications — some countries require a parent’s or grandparent’s birth certificate to establish citizenship by descent
Who Can Request a Birth Certificate for a Deceased Person?
Eligibility to request a deceased person’s birth certificate varies by state, but generally the following individuals may request one:
- Immediate family members — spouse, children, parents, or siblings of the deceased
- Grandchildren or other descendants — many states allow direct descendants to request an ancestor’s birth certificate
- Estate representatives — the executor or administrator of the estate, with proper legal documentation
- Legal representatives — attorneys acting on behalf of eligible parties
- Government agencies — for official purposes
Some states also have a waiting period after which birth records become public. For example, many states release birth records to the general public after 75 to 125 years, making older records accessible to anyone for genealogical research.
How to Request a Birth Certificate for a Deceased Person
The process is similar to requesting your own birth certificate, with a few additional requirements:
Step 1: Identify the correct state — birth certificates are issued by the state (or territory) where the person was born, not where they lived or died. If you’re unsure where the person was born, family records, census data, or military records may help.
Step 2: Gather required information — you’ll typically need the deceased’s full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth (city and county), parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name), and your relationship to the deceased.
Step 3: Provide proof of eligibility — most states require you to show your relationship to the deceased and provide a valid photo ID. You may also need to submit a copy of the death certificate to prove the person is deceased.
Step 4: Submit your request — you can order through VRO, which handles the application process for any U.S. state, or contact the state vital records office directly.
What if the Birth Record Is Very Old?
For births that occurred before states began maintaining centralized vital records (typically before 1900-1920, depending on the state), locating a birth certificate can be more challenging. In these cases, you may need to check with county-level offices, church records, or the National Archives.
Some options for older records include county clerk offices where the birth occurred, church baptismal records (which often include birth dates and parents’ names), census records available through the National Archives, and delayed birth certificates that may have been filed later in the person’s life.
How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?
Processing times and fees for a deceased person’s birth certificate are the same as for any other birth certificate request. State fees typically range from $10 to $30, and processing times vary from a few business days to several weeks depending on the state.
VRO can help you request a birth certificate for a deceased family member from any U.S. state. Our service guides you through the application and submits it on your behalf. Start your request today.