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Mississippi Death Certificate
Learn how to order Mississippi Death Certificate from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). The current processing time is 4 to 5 weeks, and varies dependent on the method of request. The state fee is $17.00 per copy, with each additional copy $6.00. Only authorized individuals may order certified copies.
How to Order State of Mississippi Death Certificate
You can now order Mississippi 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 Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) 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 MSDH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. The type of certificate you need and how you order it impact the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a Mississippi death certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- Process your order.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
- 5 minutes process
- No waiting in lines
- No handling paperwork or mail
- Simplified application process
- 24 hour service
- Online assistance by specialists
- Verification and error-checking
- Order tracking
- Online notary
- Pay online by credit card
- Remote processing time
required documents
What Documents Are Required to Order State of Mississippi Death Certificate?
In Mississippi, when applying for a death certificate, applicants must provide one valid form of primary identification, such as a driver's license or passport. They can present two forms of valid secondary identification: a social security card, utility bill, or work identification. For a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of ID, refer to the table below.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Photo Driver’s License | Social Security Card |
Cost & fees
What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Death Certificate in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, obtaining a death certificate costs $17.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional 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.
State Fee |
|---|
$17.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not Available |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $6.00 |
How Many Copies of a Mississippi Death Certificate Should You Order?
It is generally recommended to order at least three to four certified copies of a Mississippi 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.
Ordering additional copies at the time of your initial request is more cost-effective than placing separate orders later. The Mississippi State Department of Health charges a reduced fee for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Why You May Need a Mississippi Death Certificate
A certified copy of a Mississippi death certificate is a vital legal document required in numerous situations following a person's passing.
Mississippi death certificates are commonly required to:
• Settle the deceased's estate — Probate courts require a certified death certificate to begin the estate settlement process.
• Claim life insurance benefits — Insurance companies require an official certified copy before processing death benefit claims.
• Close or transfer financial accounts — Banks and investment firms need a certified copy to release funds or transfer ownership.
• Apply for survivor benefits — The Social Security Administration requires a death certificate for survivor benefits.
• Transfer vehicle titles and real estate — The Mississippi DPS and county chancery clerk's office require certified copies for ownership transfers.
Processing time
How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Death Certificate in Mississippi?
The current processing time is 4 to 5 weeks, depending on the method of request. The total waiting time will also 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. Several expedited shipping options are available at an additional cost.
Processing Time |
|---|
4 to 5 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not Available |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a Mississippi Death Certificate?
Those authorized to request a Mississippi death record must provide proper identification. In contrast, those with a direct and tangible interest, including legal representatives, must provide proof of their relationship to request death records on behalf of someone else. Additional documentation may be required to verify your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
Authorized People
- Child
- Grandparent
- Informant (if on record)
- Legal Guardian
- Legal representative of one of the above persons. Proof of representation must be provided.
- Parent(s) listed on record
- Sibling
- Spouse
Do I Need to Notarize My Application?
The Mississippi State Department of Health generally does not require applicants to get their forms notarized when requesting certified death records, regardless of the request method.
Tracking
How to Track the Status of Your Death Certificate
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 Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the health department.
When manually mailing your death certificate request to the MSDH, including a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application is optional. Purchasing mail tracking is recommended to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your certificate. Once your certificate is mailed from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
Are Mississippi Death Records Public or Confidential?
In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi State Department of Health maintains death records. A certified copy serves as a legal document suitable for official transactions, while an informational copy is typically used for genealogical or personal research.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to obtain a certified copy of a Mississippi death certificate, VitalRecordsOnline.com can help guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process.
Order Other Mississippi Vital Records
You can also request other Mississippi vital records through Vital Records Online:
You can also explore our related guides:
frequently asked questions
Other FAQs
Can a Funeral Home Order a Mississippi Death Certificate on My Behalf?
Yes, most funeral homes in Mississippi will order certified copies of the death certificate as part of their services. You can also order additional copies later through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Are Mississippi Death Certificates Public Record?
Mississippi 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.
How Do I Search for a Mississippi Death Record If I Don't Know the Exact Details?
If you are unsure of the exact details, you can contact the Mississippi State Department of Health's vital records office for assistance. VitalRecordsOnline.com can also help guide you through the search process.
How Much Does a Mississippi Death Certificate Cost?
A certified copy of a Mississippi death certificate costs $17 for the first copy from the MSDH. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $6 each. Fees may vary if ordering from the county circuit clerk’s office.
Can I Order a Mississippi Death Certificate Online?
Yes. Mississippi death certificates can be ordered online through the MSDH vital records portal or through authorized third-party services. You will need the decedent’s full legal name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship to the deceased.
Can Someone Else Request a Mississippi Death Certificate?
Mississippi restricts death certificate access to eligible requestors such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or legal representative of the decedent. If requesting on behalf of an eligible party, you may submit a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your authorization. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted as valid proof of legal authority to request the record.
What Does a Mississippi Death Certificate Look Like?
An officially certified death certificate from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will have unique security features to ensure its authenticity. The appearance of an official death certificate may vary depending on the year of issue, but it will contain essential details confirming the individual's identity at the time of death. Official death certificates from Mississippi 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 MSDH issues these certificates to state guidelines, and all counties follow these secure issuance procedures.
- Full Name of the Decedent: The full legal name of the person whose death is being recorded.
- Date of Death: The exact date and time of death of the individual.
- Place of Death: The city, county, and state where the death occurred, along with the specific facility or location.
- Cause of Death: The immediate and underlying causes of death, as certified by the attending physician or medical examiner.
- Medical Certification Information: Includes details about who certified the death, such as the attending physician or coroner, and any contributing medical factors.
- Demographic Information: The deceased's age, sex, race, ethnicity, marital status, education level, and occupation.
- Disposition Details: Information about the method of disposition (burial, cremation, etc.), the date and place of disposition, and the funeral home or director responsible.
- Informant Information: The name and relationship of the person providing personal details of the deceased.
- Social Security Number: The Social Security number of the deceased.
How to Correct or Amend a Mississippi Death Certificate
The process for amending a Mississippi death certificate depends on the type of changes needed. By law, the original record cannot be altered; instead, an addendum is created to document any corrections. If there are any errors on the death certificate and the death occurred less than one year ago, you should inform the funeral director who submitted the certificate. If the death occurred more than one year ago, a court order may be required to make the necessary corrections. For further information, contact the Vital Records office at the number provided. To request a change or correction to a Mississippi death record, you can call 601-206-8200 or email VRInfo@msdh.ms.gov.
How to Obtain an Apostille for a Mississippi Death Certificate
Apostilles may be ordered from the Mississippi Secretary of State by mail or online with Vital Records Online (VRO) only.
You need an apostille when you file documents with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of vital records for international use and is acceptable in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
We offer comprehensive apostille services for death 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, complete the following steps:
- Complete the Apostille Request Form: Obtain and fill out the apostille request form from the Mississippi Secretary of State.
- Prepare the death Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy of the death certificate that you need to be apostilled.
- Submit the Documents: Gather the completed apostille request form and the certified death certificate.
- Payment: Prepare the appropriate fee for the apostille service - $5.00 per certificate.
- Optional Return Shipping: Include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope if you'd like to have your documents returned with an express delivery service.
- Mail: Submit your documents and payment by mailing them to the Secretary of State's office.
Standard Mailing Address:
Express Mailing Address: