Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records

Mississippi · Vital Records

msdh.ms.gov/page/31,0,109,809.html

State Vital Records in Mississippi

The Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Mississippi. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Mississippi; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek, the private vendor MSDH links (credit card)
  • •By phone: Order from VitalChek by phone through the MSDH Vital Records Office at 601-206-8200 (credit card)
  • •By mail: Mail Form 523 with a copy of photo ID and a cashier's check or bank or postal money order payable to Mississippi Vital Records (no personal checks or cash)
  • •In person: Visit the customer service window in Ridgeland (cash, cashier's check, money order, or credit/debit card)
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Completed application (Form 523)
  • •Copy of valid photo ID (or two alternative IDs such as a Social Security card and a utility bill showing address)
  • •Proof of relationship where requested
  • •Proof of guardianship or legal representation if applicable
4
Allow the office's processing time (7-10 business days); expedited handling is available.

State Vital Records in Mississippi: key facts

What Mississippi says9

Administering office

Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records.1

Office location and hours

222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except state holidays.1

Mail orders

Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.1

Certificate fee

$17 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

7-10 business days. Expedited: 3-5 business days (online and phone orders with expedited UPS delivery).1

Who may order

Spouse, parent listed on the record, grandparent, sibling, child, or grandchild of the decedent (proof of relationship may be required); Informant listed on the death record; Legal guardian or legal representative of an eligible person (proof required; attorneys give their bar number); The funeral home on record.1

A person with a court order; A person needing the record to determine or protect a personal or property right.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 50 years after the death.1

Records available from

November 1, 1912.1

Governing law: Miss. Code Ann. § 41-43-1

Sources2

  1. 1.Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records
  2. 2.Mississippi death-certificate filing rule (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-43-1; Miss. Code Ann. § 73-11-63; Miss. Code Ann. § 73-11-65; 15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, R. 4.5.1; 15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, R. 4.6.1-4.6.3; 15 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, R. 4.7.1)

Mississippi vital records offices

Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital Records

Phone

601-206-8200

Hours

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except state holidays

Mailing address

Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Mississippi

Free tools for settling an estate in Mississippi: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Mississippi, certified death certificates come from the Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital RecordsMississippi State Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $17Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $6Mississippi State Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Mississippi: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysMiss. Code §§ 91-7-93, 91-7-95, 91-7-109Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsMiss. Code §§ 91-7-145, 91-7-149, 91-7-151, 91-7-165, 91-7-261Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.

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