A death certificate is a legal document, meaning only those permitted to fill out and file the form can do so. The laws appointing specific individuals can vary from state to state. In Michigan, only a funeral director or someone with a courtesy license can fill out and file the form with the local registrar.
The local vital records department will process and maintain certified copies of death certificates. The Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics has branches throughout the country. You will need to visit the office or branch in the municipality where a loved one passed to get a copy of the certificate.
If a death occurs at home, a surviving member of the decedent's family should contact the decedent's primary care physician. The doctor will visit the home to verify the death and fill out the death certificate. If the cause of death is known, the doctor will also fill this out at the time.
