How much do death certificates cost in Connecticut?
Certified copies cost $20 each from the Connecticut State Vital Records Office or any town vital records office. Online orders through VitalChek include additional processing fees, bringing the total to approximately $27 to $33 per copy plus shipping.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| State Vital Records Office (mail/in person) | $20 |
| Town vital records office | $20 |
| VitalChek (online) | $27 to $33 (includes processing fees) |
A free certified copy is available one time for the spouse, child, or parent of a deceased veteran. You must present valid photo identification and proof of relationship to qualify.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the fastest and simplest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the State Vital Records Office
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Vital Records Section in Hartford handles requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Connecticut.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order for $20 per copy, payable to the "Connecticut Department of Public Health." Include a copy of your photo ID.
- In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Hartford during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID.
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's sole approved online vendor. Expect additional processing and shipping fees.
From the town vital records office
Connecticut has 169 towns, each with a town clerk who maintains vital records for events that occurred in that town. Ordering from the town where the death occurred can sometimes be faster than going through the state office.
Contact the town clerk's office directly for hours and availability. The fee is the same $20 per copy.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| State Vital Records (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| State Vital Records (by mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Town vital records office | Same day to 2 weeks (varies by town) |
| VitalChek online | 5 to 10 business days + shipping |
Town offices are often faster for local deaths because they maintain their own records. The state office is the fallback for deaths in any town or for older records.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and the probate court. At $20 per copy, 10 copies cost $200.
For a complete breakdown, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Connecticut restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse, parent, or child of the deceased
- Sibling, grandparent, or grandchild
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about Connecticut specifically
169 towns, each with its own records. Connecticut does not have counties that handle vital records. Instead, each of the state's 169 towns maintains its own vital records through the town clerk. For recent deaths, the town where the death occurred is often the fastest source.
Free copy for veteran families. The spouse, child, or parent of a deceased veteran can receive one free certified death certificate. Funeral directors can also obtain one free copy on behalf of a veteran's family at the time of death. Bring photo ID and proof of relationship to claim the waiver.
54 probate courts. Connecticut has a specialized Probate Court system with 54 courts statewide, one of the most extensive in the country. If you are handling the estate, the will must be filed within 30 days of death. Small estates with personal property under $40,000 (and no solely-owned real estate) may qualify for a simplified process. See our guide on how probate works in Connecticut.
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