Find Jefferson County Death Records
Death index records for Jefferson County are kept at the Health Department in Louisville. The Jefferson County Health Department is part of the East Central Health District and handles all vital records requests for the county. Whether you need a certified death certificate for legal use or a plain paper copy for research, this office is the local source. Georgia state death records go back to 1919, and some Jefferson County files may be older. This page explains the process for getting death certificates, the fees, eligibility rules, and online search options for Jefferson County death records.
Jefferson County Death Index Facts
Jefferson County Health Department
The Jefferson County Health Department is at 2501 US HWY 1 North, PO BOX 306, Louisville, GA 30434. This is the main office for death certificates in Jefferson County. Walk-in visits are the fastest way to get a copy. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name and date of death of the person you need.
The Jefferson County Health Department falls under the East Central Health District. The district covers several counties in the region. If the local office has trouble finding a record, the district office may be able to help. You can call ahead to verify a death record is on file before making the trip to Louisville. Ask for the vital records desk when you phone in.
Deaths in Georgia are filed in the county where they took place. If someone lived in Jefferson County but died at a hospital in another county, the record may be in that other county. The staff at the Jefferson County Health Department can help point you in the right direction.
| Office | Jefferson County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 2501 US HWY 1 North, PO BOX 306, Louisville, GA 30434 |
| District | East Central Health District |
Note: Call ahead to confirm hours since the Jefferson County Health Department may close on state holidays.
Fees for Jefferson County Death Records
Jefferson County death certificates cost $25.00 for the first certified copy. Each additional copy costs $5.00 when ordered at the same time. These fees are uniform across all Georgia counties under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-26.
You can pay with cash for in-person requests. Credit and debit cards are accepted too. Mail requests need a money order or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted at any Georgia vital records office, including Jefferson County. If a search does not find the record, the $25.00 fee is not refunded. You receive a not-on-file letter instead. People dealing with estates or insurance claims in Jefferson County should order two or three copies at once to cover their needs.
Searching the Jefferson County Death Index
The Health Department in Louisville is the most direct place to search Jefferson County death records. Staff look up records by name and date of death. But if you prefer to search from home, several online tools are available.
Georgia's ROVER is the state's own online ordering system. It covers deaths from 1919 to the present. You make an account, enter the details, and pay by credit card. Delivery takes a few weeks by mail. VitalChek and GO Certificates are state-approved vendors that also handle online orders. They charge extra service fees but can be convenient for some requestors.
For older or historical Jefferson County death records, the Georgia Archives is the best resource. They maintain files from the earliest days of state registration. The digital collection from 1919 to 1927 is free to browse. The FamilySearch Georgia Death Index covers 1933 through 1998 and is also free.
Who Can Request Jefferson County Death Certificates
Under O.C.G.A. § 31-10-15, certified death certificates require a direct and tangible interest. This means the spouse, parents, adult children, grandchildren, or legal representatives of the deceased. Funeral directors who handled the case also qualify for certified copies from Jefferson County.
Anyone can get a plain paper copy. The Social Security number is removed on these. Cause of death may also be left off. These informational copies work fine for research and genealogy. The Georgia Rules 511-1-3 detail who qualifies for certified versus informational copies.
Jefferson County Death Records by Mail
You can send a mail request to the Jefferson County Health Department at 2501 US HWY 1 North, PO BOX 306, Louisville, GA 30434. Include the full name and date of death, your relationship, a photo ID copy, and a money order or certified check for $25.00.
The state office at 1680 Phoenix Blvd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349, also takes mail requests. Call (404) 679-4702 for help. State requests typically take 8 to 10 weeks. The Jefferson County Health Department usually responds within 2 to 4 weeks for mail requests.
The Jefferson County Health Department page is shown below.
The Georgia Department of Public Health website lists the Jefferson County Health Department and its vital records services.
This page shows the Jefferson County Health Department location and the death record services offered in Louisville.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Jefferson County. If you are not sure where a death was filed, check these nearby offices.