If you use the free website Findagrave.com, you know how valuable it can be for family research. But what about death certificates—can (or should) you post them?

Death certificates are packed with facts: date and place of death, parents’ names, even occupations. Uploading one to a memorial can confirm relationships and help other researchers who share your family lines.

Find a Grave does allow public documents like death certificates—but with a few cautions:

• Only upload certificates that are truly public record (in most jurisdictions, if the person died over 50 years ago).
• Don’t post images that show information about living people.
• Be respectful—some families may prefer not to have this document shared publicly. When in doubt, ask the memorial manager first.

How to Add Death Certificates

1. Go to the memorial page.
2. Click “Add Photos” and upload the image.
3. When adding the photo, select “Other” from the dropdown menu instead of the default “Grave.”
4. Label it clearly as a death certificate and include the issuing state or county.

Alternatively, you could type key details (parents’ names, cause of death) in the bio text and reference the certificate number so others can find the source.

When added thoughtfully, a death certificate doesn’t just verify facts—it helps preserve family history for generations to come. Sharing these records, with care and courtesy, makes Find a Grave a better resource for everyone.