Most people have heard of death certificates, the vital record that documents a person’s death in the same manner that a birth certificate serves as proof of a birth. But did you know there are other kinds of death records?
In some states, like Texas, there is something else called a death verification, although this type of death record can go by many names. For example, in California it’s called a death record information copy, and in Florida it’s a death certificate with cause of death.
A death verification document isn’t quite the same as a death certificate, but in some situations, it can be used in place of one.
How Death Verifications Differ From Death Certificates
Both death certificates and death verifications serve as proof of a person’s death, but there are key differences as well. The biggest difference is the amount of information that the documents contain. Generally, a death verification only contains:
- Name of the deceased
- Date of the death
- Location of the death
All the other details you’d find on a death certificate such as the birth date, Social Security Number and cause of death are withheld. That’s a very good thing given the next big difference.
Who can receive a death certificate is very limited. A death verification however is available to anyone – if they have the right information. While copies of certified death certificates are usually only given to spouses and next of kin, all you need for a death verification document is the name of the person, the date of their death and where they died. The death verification will officially verify whether or not there’s a record on file with those pieces of information.
When a Death Verification Can Be Useful
Getting a death certificate is required by law in all 50 states. Death verifications, on the other hand, aren’t a requirement and aren’t a legal substitute for a death certificate. However, they can be useful.
Since a death verification can cost as much as a death certificate, they’re primarily useful for people who don’t meet the requirements to order a certified death certificate because it is still proof that the death record exists in Texas. People who fall into this category are life partners, close friends and distant relatives as well as reporters, lawyers and other professionals that are need to verify basic information about a death.
As the name of the document suggests, it’s really used for informational purposes. However, an official or certified death verification may be enough documentation to manage a deceased loved one’s social media accounts. It could also help with managing other types of accounts that are financial or related to legal matters such as cable service.
In addition to offering efficient, affordable cremation services Direct Cremate helps families through other important processes like obtaining death certificates. If you have questions about death certificates or our services, please text or call.
