If I am listed as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy but am not related to the deceased individual, can I obtain a certified copy of the death certificate to claim my benefits?

No. You are not eligible to receive a certified copy. However, you can have the life insurance company request it directly from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration. The request must be made on their agency letterhead and list the name and social security number of the deceased. They must also provide acceptable forms of identification and the appropriate fees.

In many cases, the insurance company will provide a letter indicating they are in need of the death certificate and require you to submit the application for the certified copy of the record, which you must identify. In this case, you must include the insurance company letter in your application and the resulting certified copy will be mailed directly to the insurance company.

Show All Answers

1. How do I identify a record?
2. How do I obtain a vital record?
3. Can a person eligible to receive a certified copy of a vital record designate someone to collect the certified copies for them?
4. Can I obtain a certified copy of a death certificate if I am not related to the deceased individual but I have joint ownership of property or stocks/bonds?
5. Can vital records be faxed?
6. Who can request a certified copy of a vital record? (pursuant to State of New Jersey Executive Order Number 18)
7. Can I call the Registrar’s Office to verify they have a vital record I am looking for?
8. Where do I obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage license, civil union or death certificate?
9. If I am listed as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy but am not related to the deceased individual, can I obtain a certified copy of the death certificate to claim my benefits?
10. Does an attorney have access to vital records?
11. Do stepparents have the same access to records as parents?
12. Does an ex-spouse have access to the previous spouse's birth or death certificate?
13. What is required to obtain a certified copy of a vital record?