Death certificates of persons who died within the District of Columbia may be requested from the Department of Health of the state, specifically through this office:

Vital Records Division
825 North Capitol Street, NE, First Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 671-5000

This is the office that has been given the responsibility to collect, preserve, and issue death records along with other vital records relevant to the state. Authorized persons are allowed to request and acquire certified copies of these death records, provided they comply with the proper requirements and pay the appropriate fees. These requests may be made in person, by telephone, by mail, or online.

"Looking for Public Death Records in the District of Columbia?"

"Why not save some time by searching billions of public records? Make things a lot faster by starting your preliminary search at the top or bottom of this page to see if there's a record available for your query."

Mail order requests start with the completion of a downloadable application form found at the Health Department's website. Alternatively, you could make your own letter requesting the document. The letter must include information that would otherwise be requested in the application form.

Along with the application letter include a check or money order payable to DC Treasurer. You must also enclose a stamped self-addressed No. 10 business size envelope. Lastly, enclose a photocopy of a valid photo ID. Send all these to the address below:

825 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Mail-in requests take two weeks to process. A response will then be sent back to the requester by that time. Waiting time can be shortened by sending a self-addressed, prepaid Federal Express envelope along with the application.

You can also avail of the walk-in service by visiting the same office located at the address above. Office hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, between Mondays through Fridays. You also need to provide proof of your identification using the same type of photo IDs mentioned above. For walk-in applications you just have to wait for 15-30 minutes.

If you prefer to make your purchase via credit card, then you can place your order by phone through this number: 1(877) 572-6332. This service is open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

Each death certificate costs $18, but for telephone and VitalChek placed orders there will be added charges because you will pay via credit card.

"Looking for Public Death Records in District of Columbia?"

"Why not save some time by searching billions of public records? Make things a lot faster by starting your preliminary search at the top or bottom of this page to see if there's a record available for your query."