How to Amend a Death Certificate

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

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A death certificate serves as proof that a person has died and lists the cause of death. It also includes vital information, including the decedent's birth date, education and whether the person was a military veteran. Surviving children and spouses need death certificates to collect death benefits, among other things. Demographers who compile data on the population use them as a historical record. You can and should amend incorrect or missing information on death certificates. Anyone can amend a death certificate as long as the changes are approved by the informant who originally approved the death certificate, and you present evidence to support your claims.

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing to Amend a Death Certificate

For example, a death certificate with an inaccurate veteran status may affect death insurance claims you file with armed forces aid associations.
Incorrect dates, misspelled names, and other personal information should always be corrected.

For example, in Michigan, only a certifying physician or medical examiner can amend medical details such as cause of death. [1] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source

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For example, in Minnesota, the funeral home can only amend the death certificate in the first year after death. After 5 years, only the state registrar can process and file your request.

Advertisement Method 2 of 3:

Amend a Death Certificate by Mail

Amending a death certificate is not yet a process you can complete on a website or online interface. You still have to mail amendment request forms most likely because you have to present the original copies of your supporting documentation. However, most states now have the information and resources you need on their webpage.

You have to provide documentation to support your claims. These have to be the original copies with all the authorization needed (such as signatures, seals, etc.). They have to be intact and legible.
For example, if you are amending the deceased's death certificate to indicate his veteran status, you will need to find their discharge certificate. Supporting documentation could also be their birth certificate, if a date or location is wrong on the death certificate.
You will also have to remit the requisite amendment fee.

Pick up any remaining forms in person. You may not be able to access all the forms online. Phone your office of vital statistics or records and ask where you can pick up other forms. If you have all the information you want to complete the amendment on-site, you can fill out the form and submit it in person. If not, take it home and make sure you have all the documents in order.

Mail the envelope. Be sure to include any and all necessary applications, forms, supporting documentation, and fees. Once you have confirmation of receipt, you may need to wait a matter of days or weeks while they process the request. Take care to use the mailing method outlined by the office. [2] X Research source

Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

Amend a Death Certificate in Person

You can only use this method through the first five years after the date of death in some states. Check time restrictions in your state before beginning any amendment process.

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Visit the funeral home that handled the deceased's funeral arrangements. A funeral director will contact the person who provided the information (informant) for the death certificate. If the informant agrees, the funeral director will make the application for amendment for you. You can find the name of the funeral home on the death certificate.

Informants are often family members. They could be fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, partners, etc.

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You will not be able to change the date or cause of death through an amendment. Only a medical examiner or the physician who attended the person at the time of death can make this change.