How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Hawaii?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
This guide covers Hawaii. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
Hawaii sets no required number of death certificates; the right count depends on how many banks, insurers, and agencies each need an original certified copy. What Hawaii does set is the price: Hawaii charges $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time. Online orders add a $2.50 administration fee per order for up to 5 copies, and the same amount for each further group of 5 copies (6 through 10 copies adds $5). The department's own price table lists ten copies at $46 by mail or in person and $51 online.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. Hawaii sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.
Is there a set number required by Hawaii?
No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on Hawaii law.
What will the copies cost in Hawaii?
Hawaii charges $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time. Online orders add a $2.50 administration fee per order for up to 5 copies, and the same amount for each further group of 5 copies (6 through 10 copies adds $5). The department’s own price table lists ten copies at $46 by mail or in person and $51 online. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $46 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in Hawaii?
The $4 price for additional copies applies only to copies of the same certificate ordered at the same time, and online orders add the per-order administration fee.
Which institutions typically require one?
Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.
Can I use photocopies instead?
Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.
Where can I order more in Hawaii?
The Honolulu office offers in-person service on weekdays, and the neighbor-island offices serve those islands. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in Hawaii.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the Hawaii Department of Health Vital Records before you send payment.
Sources
- Hawaii Department of Health - Death Certificates (direct and tangible interest; online, mail, in person; neighbor-island offices)(Government)
- Hawaii Department of Health - fees for certified copies of death certificates ($10 first, $4 additional; online administration fee; price table)(Government)
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics - Where to Write for Vital Records: Hawaii (mailing address; payment rules)(Government)
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed October 17, 2026.
Fees, eligibility rules, and ordering options were checked on October 17, 2026 against the state's own published fee information, application forms, and county government pages listed in the sources. Death certificate fees change often, and some official pages were read only as search extracts, so the current fee should be confirmed on the agency's page before paying. Recommended for periodic re-verification. This is general information, not legal advice
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