Effingham County Death Records
Effingham County death index records are processed through the county health department in Springfield. The Effingham County Health Department is part of the Coastal Health District and handles death certificate requests for this growing county near Savannah. You can visit the office on North Pine Street to search for a death record or order one through state online tools. This page explains how to get Effingham County death certificates, what they cost, who qualifies, and where to find historical records from this part of coastal Georgia.
Effingham County Death Index Facts
Effingham County Health Department
The Effingham County Health Department is the main office for death certificates in the county. It is located at 700 N Pine Street Suite 146 in Springfield, GA 31329. The office falls under the Coastal Health District, which serves several counties in the Savannah area.
Walk-in visits are the fastest route to a death certificate from Effingham County. Bring a valid photo ID and know the full name and date of death for the person whose record you need. Staff can search the statewide system and print certified copies. Effingham County has grown fast in recent years as part of the Savannah metro area. That means the health department may be busier than you would expect for a county this size. Going during mid-week hours is a good way to avoid longer waits.
The Coastal Health District office can also help if the Effingham County location cannot find a specific record. District staff have access to the same database and may be able to track down records from other counties in the district.
| Office | Effingham County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 N Pine Street Suite 146, Springfield, GA 31329 |
| District | Coastal Health District |
Effingham County Death Certificate Fees
Certified death certificates from Effingham County cost $25.00 for the first copy. Additional copies run $5.00 each when ordered at the same time. State law under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26 sets these rates. They are the same at every county office across Georgia.
Cash, credit cards, and debit cards work at the Effingham County Health Department. Mail requests require a money order or certified check. The reduced rate on extras only applies within one transaction. If you come back later, you pay full price. Order all copies at once if you are dealing with an estate or insurance claim in Effingham County.
Note: Personal checks are not accepted for vital records at the Effingham County Health Department.
How to Search Effingham County Death Index
Several ways exist to search for death records in Effingham County. The health department in Springfield is the direct option. Staff search by name and date of death. Online tools also work from home.
Georgia's ROVER system lets you order death certificates online from any county. Create an account, enter the details, and submit. ROVER covers Georgia deaths from 1919 to the present. Delivery takes a few weeks by mail. VitalChek offers faster service for an extra fee. Both pull from the same state database that includes Effingham County records.
For historical Effingham County death records, check the Georgia Archives. They have files from the early 1900s with free digital scans from 1919 to 1927. The FamilySearch Georgia Death Index covers 1933 to 1998 for free. These tools are useful for family history research in Effingham County.
Who Can Get Effingham County Death Certificates
Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15, you need a direct and tangible interest in the record to get a certified death certificate. Spouses, parents, children, siblings, and legal representatives all qualify. Funeral directors can also get certified copies from Effingham County. Bring your ID and any proof of your connection to the deceased.
Informational copies are open to anyone. These are not certified and have no legal standing. They show the same information but are clearly marked. Genealogists use them often. The Georgia Rules 511-1-3 detail the full eligibility rules for certified versus informational copies of Effingham County death records.
Effingham County Death Records by Mail
Mail requests for Effingham County death certificates go to the health department at 700 N Pine Street Suite 146, Springfield, GA 31329. Include a money order or certified check for $25.00. Write the full name of the deceased, date of death, and your relationship. Include a copy of your photo ID.
The state office also takes mail requests. Send to Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. Call (404) 679-4702 for questions. State mail requests take 8 to 10 weeks. The Effingham County Health Department is faster for local records. Walk-in visits to Springfield are the quickest option if you need a death certificate soon.
Effingham County Health Department Listing
The Georgia DPH website lists the Effingham County Health Department and its vital records services.
Use this listing to check the address and contact info before visiting Springfield for Effingham County death records.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Effingham County. If you are unsure where a death was filed, one of these offices may hold the record.