Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
Montana · Vital Records
dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords/BirthDeathCertificatesState 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.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order through VitalChek or VRO (vitalrecordsonline.com, customer service 1-855-252-1255) - vendor service fees apply
- •By phone: Call VitalChek at 888-877-1946 (toll-free)
- •By mail: Mail the Death Certificate Mail-In Application with a check or money order payable to Montana Vital Records and a copy of valid ID (or a notarized application)
- •In person: Visit any County Clerk and Recorder office in Montana, regardless of the county of death
- •Photocopy of both sides of a valid photo ID with a signature, or a notarized application
- •Without a signed photo ID: two other forms of identification, one bearing a signature
State Vital Records in Montana: key facts
What Montana says8
- Administering office
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
111 N Sanders Rm 6, Helena, MT.1
- Mail orders
Office of Vital Records, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604.1
- Certificate fee
$16 for the first certified copy; $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Who may order
Any person who submits a completed application, establishes identity, and lists the reason for the copy.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 10 days.2
- Public record
Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1
- Records available from
1907.1
Governing law: Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-101
Sources2
- 1.Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
- 2.Montana death-certificate filing rule (Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-101; Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-403; Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-405; Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-406; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-705; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-803; Mont. Admin. R. 24.147.902; Mont. Admin. R. 24.147.1310; Mont. Admin. R. 37.116.103; Mont. Admin. R. 37.8.801)
Montana vital records offices
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
Phone
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Montana
Free tools for settling an estate in Montana: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Montana, certified death certificates come from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital RecordsMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $16Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Montana: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 270 daysMCA §§ 72-3-607, 72-3-609Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsMCA §§ 72-3-801, 72-3-803, 72-3-804, 72-3-805, 72-3-807Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
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