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Death Certificates

Copies of Death Certificates are available through the Town Clerk's Office or by downloading the application here. If the death occurred in the Town of Amherst, one of the following must make the request:

spouse
parent
sibling 18 years or older
adult child of deceased
informant on the death certificate
funeral home representative (first six months only)
executor
Other persons who have a:

documented lawful right or claim
documented medical need
New York State Court Order

What is a lawful right or claim?

If the applicant is not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the decedent, a lawful right or claim must be documented. An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested death record.

Proof of identification and a $10.00 fee per copy are required to receive the certificate. Acceptable forms of identification include:

driver's license or NYS non-driver identification card
passport
naturalization papers
military identification
employment photo identification
two utility bills showing the applicants name and address
police report of lost or stolen identification

Copies of death certificates for genealogical purposes are provided 50 years after the death unless the applicant is a lineal descendent. Genealogical orders are $22 each.

For your convenience, you may process online requests through VitalChek Network, Inc. an independent company. They can be reached either online at www.vitalchek.com or by phone at (800) 255-2414. VitalChek charges an additional fee for using their service. They accept all major credit cards. The Town of Amherst is not responsible for the operation of this service. VitalChek assumes all liability.