Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records

Montana · Vital Records

dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords/BirthDeathCertificates

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.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Montana; 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 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
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Current/valid photo ID

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.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

Death records are public immediately.1

Records available from

1907.1

Governing law: Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-403

Sources2

  1. 1.Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
  2. 2.Montana death-certificate filing rule (Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-403; Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-405; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-705; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-101; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-302; Mont. Code Ann. § 37-19-315; Mont. Admin. R. 24.147.902; 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

406-444-2685

Mailing address

Office of Vital Records, PO Box 4210, Helena, MT 59604
Verified Sep 2026