Death Certificates
If you have experienced a loss please accept our sincere sympathy.
Death Certificates can be orders several ways. They can be ordered online by going to https://www.vitalchek.com/death-certificates. You will need to supply proof of identity and relationship; such as, a marriage certificate, birth certificate and driver's license.
Flintoft's can also help you order death certificates. The processing, health department and mailing fees total $75. Each death certificate is $25.
If you order certified copies of the death certificate and you find a mistake that you want corrected, the King County Health Department will charge you $25 to correct each certified copy. This is why it is very important that you check the attached copy very carefully before ordering any copies.
As of January 2021 we are seeing a three week fulfillment timeline from the health department.
The Process
The death certificate is most often started by the funeral home. It is sent electronically through the Washington State Electronic Death Certificate System (EDRS) to the doctor. Once the doctor signs, it is forwarded to the Medical Examiner for review. After the review it is filed at the health department. The health department will then issue a permit for cremation or burial, and death certificates can be ordered.
Where Might You Need A Death Certificate?
- To collect life insurance, one for each insurance company
- To close or transfer bank accounts – the bank will usually return it.
- To transfer titles to vehicles – one copy can transfer all titles
- To transfer stocks, bonds, and investments, one for each broker
- May be needed to obtain union benefits
- May be needed for the Internal Revenue Service and or Social Security
- Insured credit cards, loans and home mortgages
- To transfer titles to real estate
- Personal requests from children, family, relatives
Please feel free to call us if we can be of any further assistance to you and your family. Administrative staff is in the office Monday thru Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. 425-392-6444.
Very truly yours,
The Flintoft Family