How much do death certificates cost in Nebraska?
Certified copies from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) cost $16 each. County clerk fees are generally similar.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| DHHS (state, mail/in person) | $16 per copy |
| County clerks | $16 (may vary by county) |
| VitalChek (online) | $16 + $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 Department of Health and Human Services
The Nebraska DHHS Vital Records office in Lincoln 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 "Vital Records." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Lincoln. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your county clerk
Nebraska has 93 counties, each with a county clerk who may issue death certificates for deaths recorded in that county. In-person requests at county offices can be faster than the state office.
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 |
| DHHS Vital Records (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| DHHS Vital Records (in person) | Same day |
County clerk offices are the fastest option for in-person requests outside of Lincoln.
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?
Nebraska 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 Nebraska specifically
93 counties, each with a clerk. Nebraska has one of the higher county counts in the country. Check with the county clerk where the death occurred for the fastest in-person service.
Uniform Probate Code state. Nebraska has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which offers streamlined options for smaller estates. Personal property under $100,000 and real property under $100,000 may each qualify for transfer by affidavit.
Probate through County Court. Unlike most states that use district or circuit courts, Nebraska handles probate through the County Court. You will need certified death certificates for the probate filing. See our guide on how probate works in Nebraska for details.
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