Do I need a death certificate? How many should I request?

It depends on your family’s specific needs. Most families order three or more. Certified copies of the death certificate are usually required by life insurance companies, banks, government agencies, credit card companies, or any creditors or financial institutions that might require a legal notification of your loved one’s passing for their records. However, be sure and ask those who might be requesting a copy if they would accept a copy of a certified death certificate first before giving out the certified copies you have purchased from the state.