How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Kansas?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
This guide covers Kansas. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
Kansas 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 Kansas does set is the price: Kansas charges $20 for each certified copy, with no lower price for extras. The first $20 is a five-year record search fee, so it is kept if no record is found. Some ordering methods add a $15 expedited service fee, and the state's online portal adds a $5 processing fee. Older guides that say $15 are out of date.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. Kansas 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 Kansas?
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 Kansas law.
What will the copies cost in Kansas?
Kansas charges $20 for each certified copy, with no lower price for extras. The first $20 is a five-year record search fee, so it is kept if no record is found. Some ordering methods add a $15 expedited service fee, and the state’s online portal adds a $5 processing fee. Older guides that say $15 are out of date. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $200 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in Kansas?
Every copy costs $20 whether you order one or ten, so there is no price break for ordering together.
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 Kansas?
You can walk in at the Topeka office on weekdays, which the department says usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in Kansas.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics before you send payment.
Sources
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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