Order official Guam Death Records and Vital Records online

Death records are essential documents that serve multiple purposes, including legal, genealogical, and personal reasons. Obtaining a Guam death certificate is important for settling estates, verifying familial relationships, and for historical research. This guide will help you understand the steps to obtain death records in Guam, highlighting who can request them, the required documents, and various application methods.

Who Can Request Death Records?

In Guam, death records can be requested by authorized individuals, typically including immediate family members such as spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Legal representatives or those with a legitimate interest, such as an attorney or a person with a court order, may also request death records. It's important to verify eligibility before proceeding with the application process.

What Documents Are Required?

When applying for a Guam death certificate, you will need to provide specific documents to verify your identity and relationship to the deceased. Required documents usually include:

• • A completed application form;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport);
• • Proof of relationship to the deceased (such as birth or marriage certificates).

The application form can be downloaded from the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) website, where detailed instructions for completing the form are also provided.

How to Obtain Guam Death Records

Guam offers several ways to request death records:

By Mail

To request a death record by mail, complete the application form, attach the required documents, and send them along with the appropriate fee to the DPHSS Vital Statistics Office. Ensure you use a secure mailing method and include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the death certificate.

In Person

You can also apply in person by visiting the DPHSS Vital Statistics Office. Bring your completed application form, required documents, and payment for the fee. This method often allows for immediate or quicker processing compared to mail requests.

Online

For convenience, you can order Guam death records online through VitalChek, an authorized service provider. Visit VitalChek, complete the online application, and provide the necessary documents and payment information. This option also offers expedited processing and delivery.

How Much Do Death Records Cost?

The cost for obtaining a Guam death certificate typically includes a standard fee for the search and issuance of the record. Additional copies and expedited services, if needed, may incur extra charges. Fees are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the latest fees on the DPHSS website or contact their office directly for the most current information.

Processing Time

The processing time for death records varies based on the method of application:

• • Mail requests: Typically processed within several weeks, depending on the volume of requests.
• • In-person applications: Generally handled the same day or within a few days.
• • Online orders: Processing and shipping times vary, with expedited options available through VitalChek.

Following these guidelines and providing complete and accurate information will help ensure your application for a Guam death certificate is processed smoothly. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the Guam DPHSS directly for support.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.