District of Columbia Death Records
Are Death Records Public in District of Columbia?
Yes, death records in the District of Columbia are considered public records and are accessible to the general public.
In accordance with the District of Columbia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), death records are deemed public information. This legislation ensures transparency and allows citizens to access vital records, including death certificates, unless specifically exempted by law.
What Is Included in Death Record in District of Columbia?
A death record in the District of Columbia typically includes the following information:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Cause of death
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security Number
- Occupation and industry
- Marital status
- Surviving spouse's name (if applicable)
- Parents' names
- Informant's name and relationship to the deceased
- Burial or cremation information
How to Find Death Records in District of Columbia in 2024
To obtain death records in the District of Columbia, you have the following options:
- Visit the Vital Records Division of the Department of Health in person at 899 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Submit a written request by mail to the Vital Records Division, providing the necessary information and payment
- Utilize the online request system through the official District of Columbia government website
- Contact the District of Columbia Archives for historical death records dating back to 1855
Please note that fees may apply for obtaining certified copies of death records, and proof of identity and relationship to the deceased may be required. Processing times vary depending on the method of request and the volume of applications received by the Vital Records Division.
Lookup Death Records in District of Columbia
Vital Records Division
Office of Public Records and Archives