Connecticut Death Certificate for Probate
Connecticut death certificate tasks usually start with the funeral home, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (Hartford), and the registrar of vital statistics of each of the 169 Connecticut towns, or an approved ordering channel. Use certified copies for probate filings, banks, insurance claims, title transfers, and estate records.
- First copy
- $20 for a certified copy of a death certificate (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-74(b)(1))
- Additional copies
- $20 each for additional copies; unlike most states Connecticut charges the SAME $20 for every copy, and the fee is identical at the town registrar and at the state office
- Processing time
- Varies by ordering method. Connecticut deaths are registered by the TOWN registrar of vital statistics for the town where the death occurred, and that town route is usually the fastest for a recent death because the town holds the record before it reaches the state file. The Office of Vital Records in Hartford also issues certified copies by mail (Form VS-39DST, state version) for deaths from July 1, 1897 forward, and VitalChek handles online orders for an additional vendor fee. The certificate is typically purchasable a few days to about a week after the death, once the funeral director files it and the medical certification is complete. Anyone at least 18 may buy a certified copy, but the decedent’s Social Security number is released only to the informant named on the certificate, the surviving spouse, or next of kin, on proof of identity and relationship, so order the version WITH the Social Security number for banks, Social Security and pension claims
- Online ordering
- Yes
Connecticut Death Certificate for Probate Uses
Use Connecticut certified death certificates as proof of death for estate tasks. Ask each filing office, bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it needs an original certified copy before handing one over.
Where to Order Death Certificates
Choose the method that works best for your timeline.
Funeral Home
The funeral home typically orders initial copies for the family. This is usually the fastest option.
County Health Department
Visit your local county health department or records office in person.
State Records Office
Order online or by mail from Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (Hartford), and the registrar of vital statistics of each of the 169 Connecticut towns. Check current processing time before using this path for urgent filing-office, bank, or title tasks.
Third-Party Services
Companies like VitalChek can process orders faster for an additional fee.
Use Connecticut Records and Probate District Instructions Together
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (Hartford), and the registrar of vital statistics of each of the 169 Connecticut towns controls state death-record ordering information, while probate district Probate Court, clerks, recorders, banks, insurers, and title offices decide what proof they need for a specific estate task.
- Ask the funeral home how many certified copies it can order
- Check the current state death-record ordering page before mailing or paying fees
- Ask the probate district Probate Court or local filing office what proof of death belongs in the filing packet
- Ask each bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it keeps the original certified copy
- Keep receipts and a certificate-use log in the estate file
Connecticut Death Records Office
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (Hartford), and the registrar of vital statistics of each of the 169 Connecticut towns
Who Can Order Death Certificates?
In Connecticut, certified copies can only be requested by certain people.
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Child, parent, or grandparent
- Sibling
- Legal guardian
- Personal representative or executor
- Attorney representing the estate
- Funeral director
Certified Copy vs. Working Copy
Use scanned or photocopied records for your internal checklist when allowed, but expect Connecticut filing offices, banks, insurers, and title contacts to ask for certified copies for formal transactions. Verify the current requirement before sending an original.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?
Each bank, insurer, or agency typically requires an original certified copy. Here is a guide.
| Organization / Purpose | Copies Needed |
|---|---|
| Banks and financial companies | 1-2 each |
| Life insurance claims | 1 each |
| Social Security Administration | 1 |
| Probate or estate filing | 1-2 |
| Property and vehicle transfers | 1-2 each |
| Retirement account claims | 1 each |
| Credit card companies | 1 each |
| Personal records | 1-2 |
There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.
What to Do Next
Once you have death certificates, you can start notifying organizations and transferring assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a death certificate cost in Connecticut?
How many death certificates do I need?
Who can order a death certificate in Connecticut?
Official Connecticut Sources and FormsOfficial references used for this page
- Connecticut death certificate orderingConnecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records (Hartford), and the registrar of vital statistics of each of the 169 Connecticut towns. Current state records source in Settled state data.
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Connecticut can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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