Death Records

A death certificate is an official recording of the cause, date, and place of death-signed by a physician. A death record may be used for a number of reasons:

  • settle estates
  • claim life insurance benefits
  • claim pensions
  • research purposes
  • various legal reasons

At the State Office, death records are available from January 1919 to the present for deaths that occurred in the State of Georgia. Some counties may have older death records in their files. Those county vital records offices may be contacted directly. Visit our locations page to select the office you wish to visit.

How can I request a Death Certificate?

Online, in-person, or by mail.

Please note: Processing times are 8 to 10 weeks on all mail-in requests. (State Office only)

Who may request a Death Certificate?

Certified death certificates are available to requestors having a direct and tangible interest to the decedent, including primary family members or legal representatives of the family.

How to request or make changes to a Death Certificate?

To request a copy of a death certificate, you will need to complete and mail Form 3912. You may also place an order online.

Download this pdf file. Request for Search of Death Record (Form 3912)

Note: On the request form, you must provide the county in which the death occurred.

To amend or correct a death certificate, you will need to choose the applicable form below depending on the type of correction needed. All corrections must be mailed in with supporting documentation for the change/correction. Please see the death correction requirements document below.

Download this pdf file. Affidavit for Current Year Correction
Download this pdf file. Affidavit for Amendment (Form 3977)
Download this pdf file. Death Correction Requirements

How do I request a Certificate of Birth Resulting in a Stillbirth (CBRS)?

Only the State Office of Vital Records can issue a CBRS. A CBRS can be issued for an unintended, intrauterine fetal death. Parents may also request a Fetal Death Certificate

Download this pdf file. Application for Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth/Fetal Death (PDF)

 

Page last updated 12/5/2022