Walk-in beats mail when you can

USA.gov tells you to ask the vital records office how to order in person, by mail, or online, and how to get a copy fast. In-person only helps if that office will issue the death you need and the record is already on file. Living in the county of death is the usual case. If you live two states away, mail or the office's listed vendor is the path. California's state vital-records page notes that the county of death may be faster than Sacramento.

What the clocks looked like this month

• New York State mail, regular handling: 10 to 12 weeks from the day they receive the request (health.ny.gov this check). Do not send cash.
• Florida state vital statistics: 3 to 5 business days plus shipping for deaths from 2009 to present. That is processing after they have the request, not time until the record exists.
• Louisiana LDH walk-in in New Orleans: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mail is listed at 8 to 10 weeks. Exact cash, check, or money order at the window.
• Call or read the hours page the morning you go. State holidays close counters. Some offices want an appointment. Do not assume a line will take you without checking.

Bring photo ID and the papers the application lists. Order extras while you are at the window. This desk does not invent appointment systems and does not promise same-day service.