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How Many Death Certificates Should I Purchase?

Video Transcript

How many death certificates you should purchase, the actual number of death certificates, really varies greatly by family. If the person has life insurance, then each life insurance company or policy would require its own certified copy of a death certificate. Any banks or accounts that are solely in the individual’s name would require a death certificate. Any pension or 401k plans would require its own copy of a death certificate. These are the types of things and places that would require a death certificate, so it varies greatly depending on the type of estate the deceased person has.

Answers from Other Funeral Directors Around the United States:

The average is 8-12 originals. However it is very different for every person and dependent on how many assets the deceased had in their name. Assets to consider include insurance policies, credit life insurance, employer benefits, vehicle titles, real estate titles, stocks & bonds, income tax returns, social security, utilities, financial institutions, and attorneys.

- Abby Schilling
Funeral Director in Richfield, MN

It depends on the number of items still in the name of the deceased. The average needed ranges from 6-10 certificates.

- Jessica Watts
Funeral Director in Jacksonville, FL

We recommend 10 copies. The deceased’s assets will dictate how many will be needed. The family will need to review assets and determine the actual amount needed. We also recommend order a couple of extra than you think you will require.

- C. A. Bankston
Funeral Director in Fort Worth, TX

That depends on how much estate planning has been done before the time of death. Ten certificates is the average for most families. More copies can always be purchased at any time directly through the registrar that is in charge of the region where the person passed. Most times this can be done online.

- Michael Sollitto
Funeral Director in Charlotte, NC

It depends on the individual estate of the deceased. Your funeral director can provide you with a checklist of who might need a death certificate.

- Laura Anderson
Funeral Director in Minneapolis, MN

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Recent Testimonials

With the passing of my mother on January 31, all I really knew was she had pre-paid for her service with National Cremation Society. After making a few calls to various areas, I finally got an answer in their Tampa office who immediately told me that New Smyrna was in the Oviedo area. With one answer of the phone, NCS took over the entire situation with speed and professionalism. Stephen and his entire staff handled everything from pickup to shipment of the remains to Pennsylvania. My wife and I couldn't be more grateful and are now considering having NCS handle... Read More

With the passing of my mother on January 31, all I really knew was she had pre-paid for her service with National Cremation Society. After making a few calls to various areas, I finally got an answer in their Tampa office who immediately told me that New Smyrna was in the Oviedo area. With one answer of the phone, NCS took over the entire situation with speed and professionalism. Stephen and his entire staff handled everything from pickup to shipment of the remains to Pennsylvania. My wife and I couldn’t be more grateful and are now considering having NCS handle our passing.

Jim M.
Oviedo, FL

This is the second time I have had dealings with National Cremation. In 2011 my mother passed away and in 2019 my wife passed away. I cannot thank this group enough for their concern, help, and professionalism. They made a difficult time a bit easier. Sara and the entire staff were great. Thank you all so much.

Robert W.
The Villages, FL

This funeral home was phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us and joined us in our pain. We were able to ease the pain smoothly with easy service planning. The day of them was VERY attentive. Stephen especially was a great gentleman always making sure if we needed anything. Constantly offering us water or napkins. I HIGHLY recommend this location to everyone. They touch everything with generous love and care and that is the best in such a difficult moment. They share the pain with you and help you along the way with both economic prices and create... Read More

This funeral home was phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us and joined us in our pain. We were able to ease the pain smoothly with easy service planning. The day of them was VERY attentive. Stephen especially was a great gentleman always making sure if we needed anything. Constantly offering us water or napkins. I HIGHLY recommend this location to everyone. They touch everything with generous love and care and that is the best in such a difficult moment. They share the pain with you and help you along the way with both economic prices and create a comfort zone for you and your family. Thank you so much for your love and support.

Daniella E.
Oviedo, FL

When my mother passed away unexpectedly, my siblings and I were shocked and devastated. She had previously said, "If anything happens to me, look in the hall closet." No one wants to hear or think about that, so the response was always "Nothing is going to happen to you!". Then one day it did. When we went in the closet and found a box with paperwork and an 800 number, the relief was immense. Now we knew, based on a contract signed by her, what her last wishes really were with no second-guessing. A phone call to an 800 number... Read More

When my mother passed away unexpectedly, my siblings and I were shocked and devastated. She had previously said, "If anything happens to me, look in the hall closet." No one wants to hear or think about that, so the response was always "Nothing is going to happen to you!". Then one day it did. When we went in the closet and found a box with paperwork and an 800 number, the relief was immense. Now we knew, based on a contract signed by her, what her last wishes really were with no second-guessing.

A phone call to an 800 number on the paperwork led me to Maryann. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate all that she did for me. She patiently led me to step by step through the process and it could not have been easier. A couple of signatures from me and she took care of the rest. I would give her 10 stars if I could. So based on my experience, I would not hesitate to recommend National Cremation Services to anyone.

If you are thinking about pre-planning for yourself I will say I am so glad my Mom did it.

Valerie D.
Detroit / Bloomfield Hills, MI

After the unexpected death of a family member, we were overwhelmed with the process of laying her to rest. Like anyone on a budget, I started calling around to get prices. It felt like an insensitive thing to do but cremation/burials is a competitive business, and believe me, the costs are startling. But then I called Oviedo's National Cremation & Burial Society and their direct cremation option were surprisingly affordable - literally thousands less than the other local providers. Our family member made it known she wanted her ashes scattered at sea so a direct cremation worked for us. They... Read More

After the unexpected death of a family member, we were overwhelmed with the process of laying her to rest. Like anyone on a budget, I started calling around to get prices. It felt like an insensitive thing to do but cremation/burials is a competitive business, and believe me, the costs are startling. But then I called Oviedo’s National Cremation & Burial Society and their direct cremation option were surprisingly affordable – literally thousands less than the other local providers. Our family member made it known she wanted her ashes scattered at sea so a direct cremation worked for us. They even had biodegradable urns for sea burials. I had made my decision. Elizabeth Franco was the service manager who held our hands through this distressing time. She was kind, informative, and efficient. She maintained communication with us throughout the process and ensured we knew about all the keepsakes/services that their business provides to help preserve a memory. When we opted in, she offered guidance. When we opted out, she didn’t push. She replaced our stress with a sense of calm and that in itself was priceless. Elizabeth exemplifies what it means to serve during a time of crisis and hardship. I highly recommend Elizabeth and National Cremation & Burial Society.

Note: As of March 2019, this business uses Woodlawn Crematory.

Juan C.
Oviedo, FL