How much do death certificates cost in Mississippi?
Certified copies from the Mississippi State Department of Health cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. County circuit clerk fees may vary.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| State Department of Health (mail/in person) | $15 first, $5 each additional |
| County circuit clerks | Varies by county |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The additional-copy discount applies only when multiple copies are ordered together.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the State Department of Health
The Mississippi State Department of Health in Jackson handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Mississippi State Department of Health." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Jackson. Same-day service is typically available for records on file.
From your county circuit clerk
Mississippi's 82 counties each have a circuit clerk who may be able to issue death certificates. Contact the circuit clerk in the county where the death occurred for availability and fees.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| State Department of Health (in person) | Same day |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| State Department of Health (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| County circuit clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
If you are near Jackson, the state office offers the fastest turnaround for in-person requests.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Mississippi restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about Mississippi specifically
Affordable extra copies. At $5 each for additional copies ordered at the same time, Mississippi is one of the most affordable states for ordering in bulk. Take advantage of this pricing and order enough upfront.
Chancery Court handles probate. Mississippi is one of the states that uses the Chancery Court (not a probate court) for estate matters. If you are handling the estate, you will need at least one certified death certificate for filing.
Small estate threshold is $75,000. Estates with personal property under $75,000 (less liens and encumbrances) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. See our guide on how probate works in Mississippi for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
Managing a Mississippi estate?
Our free checklist walks you through every step, customized for your state.
Open the Checklist