Fact of Death / Cause of Death for Certified Death Certificates

A certified death certificate is a legal document available from MN VRV2000, the computerized vital records system developed by the Minnesota Department of Health. Specific and accurate information is needed for entry in the electronic computerized death record database. There are two types of certified death certificates which may be obtained:

1. Fact of death
2. Fact and Cause of Death

Certified Death Certificate – Fact of Death:

A certified death certificate, (fact of death) contains information required by the state registrar to record the time and place a death occurs and to identify the deceased person. It may be filed immediately after death, after specific and accurate information is provided to the funeral home. Certified fact of death certificates may be purchased immediately upon filing, allowing the family or personal representative to begin the process of estate settlement. This process might include closing bank accounts, cashing in stocks or bonds, notifying credit card companies or pursuing property settlements.

Certified Death Certificate – Fact and Cause of Death

A certified death certificate, (fact and cause of death) shows the cause of death as reported by the physician or the medical examiner, in addition to the information collected for the fact of death certified death certificate. A certified death certificate, (fact and cause of death) may not be available for a period of time. This allows the physician or medical examiner to complete the medical portion and the medical information to be entered in the computerized database at the Minnesota Department of Health. A certified death certificate (fact and cause of death) is usually required by life insurance companies.

Determine how many certified death certificates should be purchased:

If an attorney will be involved in the estate settlement, that attorney will guide you in ordering the correct number and type of certificates needed. If no attorney is involved, the family will need to research the assets and find out what transactions will require which type of certified death certificate.

How to purchase certified death certificates:

When the computerized death record system is fully implemented, certified death certificates of either type may be purchased in any Minnesota county vital records office by any person who has tangible interest. This includes the child, grandchild, spouse, parent, grandparent, legal custodian, conservator, guardian of the deceased, personal representative of the estate or the funeral home that filed the death record. When purchasing certified death certificates, a person must complete and sign an application stating tangible interest. If presenting the application in person, the individual must show identification. If requesting certificates by mail, the application must be notarized. The funeral home is able to order certified death certificates of either type as soon as the required information has been entered in the computerized database.