Death Certificates

     While you are meeting with a funeral director they will ask you how many death certificates do you need. These will be use as proof of death, and for handling the estate, collecting life insurance, transferring titles and deeds, obtaining discounted airfare if possible for family members flying in. Make sure to check the accuracy of the information provided, and store the death certificates in a secure location.

     In Oklahoma the cost of each certified copy of a death certificate is $15.00 each. There are many reasons why you will need death certificates. The following is just a brief example of why you will need them, and to help you estimate how many to pay for at the time of the arrangement.

1. Life Insurance- You need 1 for each insurance company, regardless of the number of policies.
2. Banks- You need 1 for each bank. Particularly if the accounts are in the deceased name.
3. Stocks- If held by the individual or jointly owned, you need 1 for each company. If held by a broker then you need 1 for each broker.
4. Bonds- You need 1 for U.S. Savings Bonds. Bonds can be reissued to new co-owners. If you have corporate bonds, you will need 1 for each company.
5. Real Estate- You need 1 for each county in which property is owned.
6. Secretary of State- You need 1, this may be used for automobile, boat, and/or mobile home.
7. IRA's (Individual Retirement Accounts)- You need 1 for each financial institution where funds are maintained.
8. CD's ( Certificate of Deposit)- You need 1 for each financial institution where funds are maintained.
9. Pension- You need 1 for each pension fund.
10. Health Insurance- You may need 1 if insurance is employer provided.
11. Current Pay- You may need 1 if they are still actively employed.
12. Vacation Pay- You may need 1 if they are still actively employed.
13. 401 K/403 B Retirement Plans- You may need 1 for each depository.
14. Federal Income Tax- You may need 1.
15. State Income Tax- You may need 1.
16. Local Income Tax- You may need 1.
17. Probate- If there is to be a Probate of the Estate, you'll need at least 5.