How much do death certificates cost in Utah?
Certified copies from the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics cost $22 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Local health department fees may vary.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Office of Vital Records (state) | $22 first, $8 each additional |
| Local health departments | Varies by district |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The discount for additional copies applies only when ordered in the same request as the first.
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 and Statistics
The state office in Salt Lake City handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in Utah.
- 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 "Office of Vital Records." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the office in Salt Lake City. Same-day service is typically available for records on file.
From your local health department
Utah has 13 local health districts covering the state's 29 counties. Many can issue death certificates for deaths in their area. Contact your local health department for availability and fees.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Local health department (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 |
If you are in the Salt Lake City area, the state office typically provides the fastest in-person service.
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?
Utah 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 Utah specifically
Affordable extra copies. At $8 each for additional copies ordered at the same time, ordering extra is relatively inexpensive. Stock up early rather than paying full price for individual copies later.
Uniform Probate Code state. Utah has adopted the Uniform Probate Code. Personal property under $100,000 may qualify for transfer by affidavit after a 30-day waiting period from the date of death.
Probate through District Court. If you are handling the estate, probate is processed through the District Court. You will need certified death certificates for filing. See our guide on how probate works in Utah for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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