How to Order Death Certificates - STEP BY STEP

STEP 1

Determine the type of death certificate to be requested, with cause of death (long form) or without cause of death (short form)

Death Certificates WITHOUT the Cause of Death listed are considered to be public record, and can be requested by anyone.

Death Certificates WITH the Cause of Death listed are considered protected health information, and require you to meet one (1) of the following criteria:

-  Be the decedent’s spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling, if of legal age (18 years or older).
-  Provide a will, insurance policy or other document that demonstrates his or her interest in the estate of the decedent, or
-  Provide documentation that you are acting on behalf of any of the above named persons.

STEP 2

Provide information about the decedent named on the certificate

-  Full name of decedent at time of death
-  Date of death
-  City or county of death

STEP 3

Provide information about the person ordering the certificate

-  Full name
-  Relationship to person named on the certificate, if requesting cause of death information (father, mother, child, etc.)
-  Mailing address (include city, state and zip code)
-  Phone number where you can be reached during business hours (8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time)
-  Signature of applicant

All letters or applications must include a copy of a valid current PICTURE ID (Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport, and/or Military Identification Card) of the applicant. For example, if you are requesting your grandmother’s death certificate, include a copy of your own ID since you are the applicant. Enlarge the copy and lighten it as much as possible to ensure it is clear and readable when sent to The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County's Vital Statistics Office. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

STEP 4

Types of certificates and Fees

-  Computer Certificate - $10.00 Protective Plastic Cover - $3.00
-  Computer generated certification with the embossed Seal of Florida. Accepted by all state and federal agencies as legal proof of death. Available for deaths from 2009 to present.
-  Records of death events that occurred before 2009 may be obtained from the State Office of Vital Statistics. The mailing address is: State Office of Vital Statistics, Post Office Box 210, Jacksonville, Florida 32231-0042.

STEP 5

Choose a delivery method

Walk In – You can request death certificates from one of our local Vital Statistics locations in Hillsborough County at:

University Area Vital Statistics
13601 N. 22nd St.
Tampa, FL 33613
Hours: M-F 7:30am – 4:30pm

Payment Type Accepted: Cash, Money Order, Cashier’s Check, Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
Extra Cost: None
Estimated Processing Time:  While you wait

Fax - You may fax the application to (813) 903-3370.

Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit card number and expiration date must be provided)
Extra Cost: $10.00 expedite fee
Estimated Processing Time:  Same Day or Next Day

Note: If we receive your VALID application and supporting documents by 12:00 pm (noon), your documents will be placed in the mail the same day. If we receive your VALID application and supporting documents after 12:00 p.m. (noon), your documents will be placed in the mail the next business day.

Mail - You may mail your VALID application and supporting documents to:

Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, Florida 33675-5135

Payment Type Accepted: Money Order, Cashier’s Check, Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
Extra Cost: None
Estimated Processing Time:  5 - 10 Business Days  OR Rush Extra Cost: $10.00 Rush Fee to get it the Same Day or Next Day

Note: If we receive your VALID application and supporting documents by 12:00 pm (noon), your documents will be placed in the mail the same day. If we receive your VALID application and supporting documents after 12:00 p.m. (noon), your documents will be placed in the mail the next business day.

Note:  You may include a pre-paid envelope with your documents BUT unless you include a mail rush processing fee of $10.00, we still have 5 - 10 business days to process your request.  

Phone - You may order a death certificate by phone through VitalChek (Hillsborough County):

Phone: (866) 830-1906
Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
Extra Cost: Additional VitalChek fees apply (plus additional fees for overnight or expedited shipping)

Online - You may order a death certificate online through VitalChek (Hillsborough County)

Payment Type Accepted: Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit)
Extra Cost: Additional VitalChek fees apply (plus additional fees for overnight or expedited shipping)