Advance Directive Form

Washington D.C.’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare attorney and lists an individual’s instructions regarding their health treatment and end-of-life decisions. The form must be signed by the individual, proxy, and witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only the deceased’s immediate family members or their legal representatives can obtain a death certificate in Washington D.C.

The information required for the application includes:

• Deceased’s name, sex, social security number
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased with proof of the fact
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate along with one certified copy and a search fee costs $18. The application can be handed in person or sent to:

Government of the District of Columbia

Department of Health

Vital Records Division

899 North Capitol Street, NE, 1st Floor

Washington, D.C. 20002

Digital Estate Planning Laws

Council Bill 230141, Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act of 2019 authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on January 13, 2021.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Washington D.C. has approved the Death with Dignity Act on February 18, 2017. More information can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Washington D.C.’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOLST)

Washington D.C.’s MOLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Washington D.C.’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the following acts:

• Large Decedent’s Estates
• Small Decedent’s Estates

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Washington D.C. has an estate tax of up to 16%