Montana - How to obtain a Death Certificate

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Procedure

By Mail

Mail the completed application form, a legal size, self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for the search fee. Do not send cash. Mail to:

Office of Vital Statistics

Department of Public Health and Human Services

111 N Sanders Rm 6

PO BOX 4210

Helena MT 59604

Apply Online (VitalChek)

• Montana Vital Records does not accept credit cards or online orders over the phone; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent companies that we have partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc.
• It's the easiest and most efficient method for ordering official death certificates and other vital records because there is less room for error when you enter the information yourself. Our simple forms have built-in editing features to help ensure the accuracy of your order.
• VitalChek is an official service, authorized by Montana Vital Records - DPHHS, to securely order certified Montana vital records, like death certificates. Other online services may not be authorized by Montana Vital Records - DPHHS, and may charge additional fees without providing approved services or guaranteeing confidentiality of your data.
• As a government-approved organization for 25 years, VitalChek safely delivers millions of vital records every year and is Americas No.1 resource for ordering certified vital records across the nation. VitalChek makes purchasing your familys most important documents, such as Montana death certificates, simple, fast and secure:
  • Simple step-by-step ordering with easy to use editing features to help ensure the accuracy of your order.
  • Fast online ordering, processing & delivery options to help get your certificate as quickly as possible.
  • Secure ordering processes that are designed to help protect your identity online.
• VitalChek offers the convenience of ordering Montana death certificates for yourself or your family from the privacy of your home or office, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with no hidden fees or unexplained charges. No traffic, no standing in line, no parking, no hassles.

By phone/Fax

• You can place an order over the phone using your credit card:
• Call toll-free 888-877-1946.
• Orders are placed through VitalChek.
• Additional fees will apply.
• Fax your application request and identification to VitalChek at 866-696-1912 for processing.

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Required Documents

Picture ID with a Signature

• Drivers License
• State ID Card
• Passport
• Military ID Card
• Tribal

OR Two Forms of ID One MUST have a Signature

• Social Security Card
• Work ID Card
• Car registration/Insurance
• Doctor/Medical record
• Fishing License
• US Military DD214
• Utility Bill with a current address
• Voter Registration Card
• Credit/Debit/ATM Card
• School ID Card
• Library Card
• Insurance Record
• Pay Stub
• Traffic/ Pawn ticket
• Court record
• Year Book

Or

• Notarized Montana Office of Vital Statistics Statement to Identify certified Birth or Death Certificate Applicant form (you must provide the original letter, not a photocopy or faxed copy)
• Have an authorized family member that has an ID order the certificate

Office Locations & Contacts

• Office of Vital Statistics

Department of Public Health and Human Services

111 N Sanders Rm 6

PO BOX 4210

Helena MT 59604

• For general questions on how to obtain a death certificate please contact:

Montana Dept of Public Health and Human Services

Office of Vital Statistics

[email protected]

Certificates may also be obtained from your local county. Use the contact information below to inquire.

Beaverhead County : S Pacific Cluster 3 Dillon, MT 59725
Phone: 406.683.2642 Website

Big Horn County : 121 3rd Street West Hardin, MT 59034
Phone: 406.665.1506 Website

Blaine County : 400 Ohio Street Chinook, MT 59523
Phone: 406.357.3240 Website

Broadwater County : 515 Broadway Townsend, MT 59644
Phone: 406.266.3443 Website

Carbon County : PO Box 948 Red Lodge, MT 59068
Phone: 406.446.1225 Website

Carter County : 214 Park Street Ekalaka, MT 59324
Phone: 406.775.8749

Cascade County : 425 2nd Ave N Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: 4064546800 Website

Chouteau County : 1308 Franklin Street Fort Benton, MT 59442
Phone: 406.622.5151 Website

Custer County : 1308 Main Street Miles City, MT 59301-3419
Phone: 406.232.7800

Daniels County  : 213 Main Street PO Box 247 Scobey, MT 59263
Phone: 406.487.5561

Dawson County : 207 W. Bell St. Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: 406-377-3058 Website

Deer Lodge County : 800 S Main Street Anaconda, MT 59711-2999
Phone: 406.563.4061 Website

Fallon County : 10 W Fallon Avenue Baker, MT 59313
Phone: 406.778.7106 Website

Fergus County : 712 W Main Street Lewistown, MT 59457-2562
Phone: 406.538.5119 Website

Flathead County : 800 S Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406.758.5526 Website

Gallatin County : 311 W Main Street Bozeman, MT 59715-4576
Phone: 406.582.3050 Website

Garfield County : Hwy 200 PO Box 7 Jordan, MT 59337-0007
Phone: 406.557.2760

Glacier County : 512 E Main Street Cut Bank, MT 59427
Phone: 406.873.5063 Website

Golden Valley County : PO Box 10 Ryegate, MT 59074-0010
Phone: 406.568.2231 Website

Granite County : 107 Kemp Philipsburg, MT 59858
Phone: 406.859.3371 Website

Hill County : 315 4th Street Havre, MT 59501-3999
Phone: 406.265.5481 Website

Jefferson County : 201 Centennial PO Box H Boulder, MT 59632
Phone: 406.225.4020 Website

Judith Basin County : 31 1st Ave PO Box 427 Stanford, MT 59479
Phone: 406.553.2301 Website

Lake County : 106 4th Avenue Polson, MT 59860-2125
Phone: 406.883.6211 Website

Lewis and Clark County : 316 N Park Avenue Helena, MT 59624
Phone: 406.447.8335 Website

Liberty County : 111 1st Street East Chester, MT 59522
Phone: 406.759.5365 Website

Lincoln County : 512 California Ave Libby, MT 59923
Phone: 406.293.7781 Website

Madison County : 110 W Wallace Street Virginia City, MT 59755
Phone: 406.843.4270 Website

McCone County : 1004 Ave C PO Box 199 Circle, MT 59215
Phone: 406.485.3505 Website

Meagher County : 15 W Main Street PO Box 309 White Sulphur Springs, MT

Eligibility

• Certified copies of Montana death certificates (which include cause of death), for events that occurred within the last two years, can only be issued to the decedent's parents, spouse, child (must provide proof of relationship/legal need), legal guardian (must provide proof of guardianship) or authorized representative (must provide proof).
• Copies of Montana death certificates that do not include the cause of death can be requested at any time after the date of event and can be ordered by any individual.

Fees

By mail

• Certified copy: $12.00 (Non-refundable)
• Additional copy: $5.00 each

Online (VitalChek)

• Certified copy: $12.00
• Additional copy: $5.00 each

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Please attach documents which can be used by people who would like to follow this procedure.    

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents which would help other people who would like to follow this procedure.    

Processing Time

By Mail

2 to 3 weeks from the date of receipt.(This processing time varies depending on staffing and workload.)

Instructions

• The Montana Division of Vital Records (Montana Vital Records) issues certified copies of Montana death certificates for events which occurred within the State of Montana.
• Death Certificates are available for events that occurred within the State of Montana from 1907 to present.
• Anyone can request a Death Search for an event that occurred within the State of Montana. If the exact date is unknown, the fee is $10.00 for the first five years searched and $1.00 per year over the first five years searched (per individual named).
• A Genealogy\Informational copy of the record will be issued if found or a "No Find" letter will be sent. Death Search requests must be made by phone or fax.
• You may order a copy of a Montana Death Certificate using one of the following services:
  • Order online with your credit card: vitalchek.com or vitalrecords.mt.gov
  • Place an order over the phone using your credit card:
  • Call toll-free 888-877-1946. Orders are placed through VitalChek. Additional fees will apply.
  • Place an order by mail.
• Valid Identification is required for the purchase of a Montana Death certificate.
• Personal check or money order should be made payable to Montana Vital Records.

Required Information

• Decedents Name
• Date of death
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Place of death
• Place of birth
• Occupation
• Full name of spouse (if applicable)
• Decedent's father's name and mother's full maiden name
• Reason for request
• Relationship to deceased
• Applicant's full name and mailing address
• Daytime Telephone number

Need for the Document

If you want to obtain certified death certificate or if you would like to have an additional copy of certified death certificate you can obtain one with following the procedure given below.