How much do death certificates cost in Montana?
Certified copies from the Montana Office of Vital Records cost $14 each. County clerk fees are typically similar.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Office of Vital Records (state) | $14 per copy |
| County clerks and recorders | $14 (may vary by county) |
| VitalChek (online) | $14 + $12 to $15 processing fee |
There is no discount for ordering multiple copies at the same time.
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 Office of Vital Records
The Montana Office of Vital Records in Helena 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 "Montana Vital Records." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the office in Helena. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your county clerk and recorder
Montana has 56 counties, each with a clerk and recorder who may issue death certificates for deaths recorded in that county. This can be a faster alternative for in-person requests.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| County clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Office of Vital Records (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Office of Vital Records (in person) | Same day |
For a large, rural state like Montana, online ordering or mail may be more practical than an in-person trip for many residents.
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?
Montana 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 Montana specifically
Large state, limited in-person access. Montana's size means the Helena state office and many county seats involve long drives. Online ordering through VitalChek is the most practical option for residents in remote areas.
Uniform Probate Code state. Montana has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which provides streamlined options for estate administration. A small estate affidavit is available for estates under $50,000, and a summary administration process is available for estates up to $100,000.
Probate through District Court. If you are handling the estate, probate goes through the District Court. You will need certified death certificates for filing. See our guide on how probate works in Montana for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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