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Idaho is a closed-record state: death certificates stay confidential for 50 years and only family or those with a direct and tangible interest can buy a certified copy.
Hawaii is a closed-record state. Only those with a direct and tangible interest can get a certified death certificate; records open to the public after 115 years. Fee is $10.
Colorado is a closed-record state: death certificates stay confidential for 75 years and go only to eligible family. See who can request, the 2026 fee, and how to order.
Arizona is a closed-record state: only family and others with a documented interest can buy a certified death certificate ($20). Death records open for genealogy after 50 years.
Alabama is a closed-record state: death certificates are restricted for 25 years. See who can request a certified copy, the $15 fee, and how to order from ADPH.
California is a closed-record state for certified death certificates. Learn who can get an authorized copy, the $26 fee, processing time, and how to order.
Florida death certificates without cause of death are public; anyone 18+ can order one for $15. Cause of death is confidential for 50 years. Full guide.
Alaska is a closed-record state: death certificates are confidential for 50 years and limited to family and legal representatives. Here is who qualifies, the fee, and how to order.
Delaware is a closed-record state. Death certificates stay confidential for 40 years and only family or authorized representatives can buy a certified copy ($25).
District of Columbia is a closed-record jurisdiction: certified death certificates go only to family and legal representatives until records open to the public 75 years after death.
Connecticut is an open-record state: anyone 18 or older can buy a certified death certificate for $20. Learn who can request, fees, and the cause-of-death rules.
Are death records public? It depends on the state. See who can request a death certificate, open vs closed-record rules, waiting periods, and how to order in all 50 states.