State Vital Records in Montana
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Montana. 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.
Administering agency
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
State Vital Records in Montana: key facts
- Administering office
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records.
- Contact
- Phone 406-444-2685; email HHSVitalRecords@mt.gov.
- Office location
- 111 N Sanders Rm 6, Helena, MT.
- Mail orders
- Office of Vital Records, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604.
- Certificate fee
- $16 for the first certified copy.
- Who may order
- Any person who submits a completed application, establishes identity, and lists the reason for the copy.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 10 days.
- Public record
- Death records are public immediately.
- Records available from
- 1907.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Montana — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order through VitalChek or VRO (vitalrecordsonline.com) - vendor service fees apply
- By phone: Call VitalChek at 888-877-1946 (toll-free)
- By mail: Mail application with photocopy of photo ID and fee
- In person: Visit any County Clerk and Recorder office in Montana, regardless of the county of death
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Current/valid photo ID
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
Phone: 406-444-2685
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by phone: Call VitalChek at 888-877-1946 (toll-free). by mail: Mail application with photocopy of photo ID and fee. in person: Visit any County Clerk and Recorder office in Montana, regardless of the county of death. Mail orders go to Office of Vital Records, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604.
The death certificate must be filed within 10 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Current/valid photo ID. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Montana primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records