Genealogist Q&A
Whether you're a seasoned genealogy enthusiast or just starting, our Q&A section addresses the most frequently asked questions in family history research.
Got a Question About GenealogyBank.com?
Genealogy Product Director Tom Kemp has spent over fifty years as a genealogist, writer, librarian, and archivist. His experience has helped countless others craft a search for family records, historical documentation, and ancestral combinations.
This Q&A session covers the most frequently asked questions about genealogy: tips for locating lost records and verifying historical details. Don't forget to download our free guide, Getting Started Climbing Your Family Tree, for more tips and resources. Click on the genealogy questions below to see answers or download our free Search Tips Guide for further assistance.
Are Death Certificates Filed in Multiple States?
Q: I'm researching death records from the late 19th century. If someone died out of state, would their death certificate be filed in their home state or in the state where they passed away?
A: Great question! Typically, death certificates are filed in the county or state where the person died.
For the period 1850–1900, keep in mind that many states did not have centralized systems for recording births, marriages, or deaths, so records may be sparse or unavailable in some areas.
Also, be sure to check burial records. If the deceased was transported back to their home state for burial, there may be a burial certificate on file there, even if there isn’t a death certificate. Burial certificates may be stored alongside death records or filed separately depending on local practices.
Additionally, census mortality schedules list individuals who died in the 12 months prior to the census date; these can vary by census year. Probate records, filed in the probate court of the deceased's home state, often include death records or certificates as well.