Death Records in District of Columbia, DC

Where to get them

Official government sources

The authoritative record holders — straight from the source, no middleman. Many are free; where a standard government fee applies, it’s shown.

• District of Columbia Vital RecordsOfficial

  Order certified birth and death certificates from the DC Health Vital Records Division, the official District vital records office.

  2-4 weeks$23 (birth), $18 (death)Online, mail, phone, in person/kioskEligible relationship required (self, parent, adult child/sibling, guardian); valid photo ID

• Get it in minutes — the official route takes 2-4 weeks.

  A third-party service compiles this online — here’s how it compares to the official route above.

  Faster paid optionSponsored

  Official source

  Time

  Minutes, onlineFaster

  2-4 weeks

  Method

  Online, from homeNo trip

  Online, mail, phone, in person/kiosk

  Cost

  Report from $0.95*

  $23 (birth), $18 (death)

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• District of Columbia Clerk / RegistrarOfficial · Free

  Marriage licenses and many local vital records are filed with the District of Columbia, DC County Clerk or Registrar — often the fastest source for District of Columbia records.

• CDC — Where to Write for Vital RecordsOfficial · Free

  The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics lists each state's vital-records office, fees, and requirements for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates (free).