How much do death certificates cost in Vermont?
Certified copies from the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Office cost $10 each. Town clerk fees are generally the same.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Vital Records Office (state) | $10 per copy |
| Town clerks | $10 per copy |
| VitalChek (online) | $10 + $12 to $15 processing fee |
Vermont has some of the lowest death certificate fees in the country.
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 Vital Records Office
The Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Office in Burlington 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 "Vermont Department of Health." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Burlington. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your town clerk
Like other New England states, Vermont uses a municipal system. Each town has a town clerk who can issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in that town. For recent deaths, the town clerk often has copies available sooner than the state office.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Town clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Vital Records Office (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Vital Records Office (in person) | Same day |
Town clerks are typically the fastest option for in-person requests, especially in smaller communities.
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.
At $10 per copy, ordering extra in Vermont is affordable. It is better to have a few extra than to need more later.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Vermont 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 Vermont specifically
Town-based system. Vermont's municipal vital records system means your local town clerk is often the most convenient option. No appointment is usually needed for small-town offices.
Small estate threshold is $45,000. Vermont allows a small estate affidavit for personal property under $45,000 (excluding real estate, except qualified timeshares). The affidavit must be filed with the Probate Court.
Probate through Probate Court. Vermont has dedicated Probate Courts that handle estate matters. You will need certified death certificates for filing. See our guide on how probate works in Vermont for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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