Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.
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A death certificate serves as proof that a person has died and lists the cause of death. It also includes vital information, including the decedent's birth date, education and whether the person was a military veteran. Surviving children and spouses need death certificates to collect death benefits, among other things. Demographers who compile data on the population use them as a historical record. You can and should amend incorrect or missing information on death certificates. Anyone can amend a death certificate as long as the changes are approved by the informant who originally approved the death certificate, and you present evidence to support your claims.
Steps
Consider why you want to amend the death certificate. Incorrect information on a death certificate is important to change. Not only does it affect demographers' data, it may impact an insurance settlement. You should get organized at an early stage by identifying all details you need to correct on the death certificate. It is possible, and imperative, to amend any and all incorrect details of the death certificate.- For example, a death certificate with an inaccurate veteran status may affect death insurance claims you file with armed forces aid associations.
- Incorrect dates, misspelled names, and other personal information should always be corrected.
Find out your eligibility. Anyone is eligible to initiate the amendment process if they find information they know to be incorrect and get the necessary signatures. However, some states have restrictions on who can actually file the paperwork. If you are not eligible to file death certificate amendment paperwork, contact those who are. Tell them what is wrong and how you can give evidence to back up your claims.- For example, in Michigan, only a certifying physician or medical examiner can amend medical details such as cause of death.[1]
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Know the time limitations. You can always amend death certificates as long as you have evidence to support your claims. However, the manner in which you file the amendment paperwork is more restricted as time goes on. This varies state-by-state, however in many cases it means only being able to file through your state's central vital statistics and vital information registry.- For example, in Minnesota, the funeral home can only amend the death certificate in the first year after death. After 5 years, only the state registrar can process and file your request.
Figure out which state the death certificate was registered in. Look on the death certificate if you are unsure. Depending on where you live, you might be able to contact the office online through the state government's website. Many states now have the applicable instructions and forms accessible on their website. Some states give you a choice whether to you’re your amendment request through state or local government.- Amending a death certificate is not yet a process you can complete on a website or online interface. You still have to mail amendment request forms most likely because you have to present the original copies of your supporting documentation. However, most states now have the information and resources you need on their webpage.
Download the forms you need. You will need to fill out a form telling the state how the death certificate needs to be changed. Some states require you to complete an application for amendment form before you can amend the death certificate. Your state’s website should tell you what procedures you will need to follow. Look over the forms before you continue so you can ensure you have all the items and information you need in each stage of the process.- You have to provide documentation to support your claims. These have to be the original copies with all the authorization needed (such as signatures, seals, etc.). They have to be intact and legible.
- For example, if you are amending the deceased's death certificate to indicate his veteran status, you will need to find their discharge certificate. Supporting documentation could also be their birth certificate, if a date or location is wrong on the death certificate.
- You will also have to remit the requisite amendment fee.
Pick up any remaining forms in person. You may not be able to access all the forms online. Phone your office of vital statistics or records and ask where you can pick up other forms. If you have all the information you want to complete the amendment on-site, you can fill out the form and submit it in person. If not, take it home and make sure you have all the documents in order.
Mail the envelope. Be sure to include any and all necessary applications, forms, supporting documentation, and fees. Once you have confirmation of receipt, you may need to wait a matter of days or weeks while they process the request. Take care to use the mailing method outlined by the office.[2]
Go to the local registrar. Look at the death certificate to see which local municipality it was registered in. This may be the county office of vital statistics, department of health, licensing center, county recorder, among other things.- You can only use this method through the first five years after the date of death in some states. Check time restrictions in your state before beginning any amendment process.
Visit the funeral home that handled the deceased's funeral arrangements. A funeral director will contact the person who provided the information (informant) for the death certificate. If the informant agrees, the funeral director will make the application for amendment for you. You can find the name of the funeral home on the death certificate.
Contact the informant directly. Since the funeral home will ultimately be contacting this person, you may be able to go to them directly. Make sure there are not any legal restrictions on your contacting this person. As with visiting the funeral home, some states only accept this method up to a certain date after the death.- Informants are often family members. They could be fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, partners, etc.
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- You will not be able to change the date or cause of death through an amendment. Only a medical examiner or the physician who attended the person at the time of death can make this change.Thanks
References
About This Article
If there’s a mistake with your family member’s death certificate, you can easily get it amended. In some states, only certain people are eligible to file for a death certificate amendment like direct relatives or a medical examiner. To request an amendment by mail, all you’ll need to do is download the form from your state’s website and fill it out with the details that need changing. You may need to provide a copy of the death certificate and pay a filing fee. Alternatively, go to the local registrar of the place the death certificate was registered. This may be the county office of vital statistics, department of health, licensing center, or county recorder. If the death certificate is less than 5 years old, the registrar should be able to help you. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to contact a deceased person’s family about an incorrect death certificate, read on.
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