DC Health - Vital Records Division
District of Columbia · Vital Records
dchealth.dc.gov/service/death-certificatesState Vital Records in District of Columbia
The DC Health - Vital Records Division issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Washington DC. 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; DC Vital Records does not take remote orders directly
- •By phone: Call VitalChek at 1-877-572-6332, Option 2
- •By mail: Mail the DC death certificate application (processed by VitalChek) with ID copies and payment
- •In person: Walk-up service with identity verification at self-service kiosks
- •In person: one unexpired primary photo ID (license or state ID, passport, permanent resident card, work authorization card, military ID), or two alternate IDs, or three if the kiosk cannot verify
- •By mail: copies of one primary ID and at least two secondary IDs
- •Child, grandchild, sibling, or grandparent: certified birth certificates proving the relationship (for births outside DC)
- •Attorney: retainer agreement, bar card, and a typed letter on firm letterhead
- •Interested party: proof of a personal or property right, or court, insurance, or estate settlement documents
State Vital Records in District of Columbia: key facts
What District of Columbia says9
- Administering office
DC Health - Vital Records Division.1
- Office location and hours
2201 Shannon Pl. SE, Washington, DC 20020. Walk-up: Monday and Tuesday 9:00 am-1:00 pm; Wednesday 9:00 am-3:30 pm; Thursday and Friday 9:00 am-1:00 pm.1
- Mail orders
Vital Record Mail Services, ATTN: DC Vital Records, P.O. Box 222130, El Paso, TX 79913.1
- Certificate fee
$18 for the first certified copy; $18 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Processing time
2-4 weeks for remote orders, plus shipping; walk-up requests are often filled the same day.1
- Who may order
Spouse or domestic partner named on the death certificate; Parent named on the death certificate; Adult child, grandchild, sibling, or grandparent; Informant, next of kin under probate law, or the person with the right to control final disposition; Legal guardian immediately before death, or legal representative.1
Funeral director of the named establishment, within 30 days of filing; A person showing the record is needed to determine or protect a personal or property right; Law enforcement with a DC Superior Court subpoena or other order.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 75 years after the death.1
- Records available from
August 1874.1
Governing law: D.C. Code § 43-121
District of Columbia vital records offices
DC Health - Vital Records Division
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in District of Columbia
Free tools for settling an estate in District of Columbia: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In District of Columbia, certified death certificates come from the DC Health - Vital Records DivisionDC Health - Vital Records DivisionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $18DC Health - Vital Records DivisionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in District of Columbia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysD.C. Code §§ 20-711 to 20-713.01Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsD.C. Code §§ 20-704, 20-903, 20-905, 20-906, 20-908Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
Hire a Probate Attorney
Browse vetted attorneys handling probate matters across all 50 states.