In accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. 71-601.01, Nebraskans will now be able to obtain an Abstract of Death certificate if there is a pending investigation into a loved one’s death. For deaths occurring after July 19, 2024, this certificate will automatically be issued if the death certificate is attached to a pending investigation. If there is no pending investigation, a full death certificate will be issued.
“Navigating the loss of a loved one can be difficult and stressful,” said Charity Menefee, Director of the Division of Public Health. “The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is eager to provide this service to support Nebraskans in a time of need.”
The Abstract of Death certificate will provide all the same information found on a death certificate, except the information related to the cause of death. This certificate will allow families to establish the fact of death and can be used to start settling estates, closing bank accounts, or transferring car titles. A full death certificate is still requested for life insurance policies and other processes that require an official cause of death.
The fee for this certificate is $16.00 per certified copy.
If a death occurred prior to July 19, 2024, and is pending an investigation, please submit a request to receive an Abstract of Death certificate. The request form can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/vital-records.aspx#deathcertificate.
For assistance with this process please contact the vital records team at 402-471-2871 or by sending an email to dhhs.vitalrecords@nebraska.gov.