Funeral Homes Info

What is the Georgia Vital Events Registration System (GAVERS)?

The Georgia Vital Events Registration System (GAVERS) is the vital records registration and certificate issuance software used by the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Office of Vital Records. It permits the input of death information electronically, eliminating the need to submit paper worksheets.

How does GAVERS work?

First, you enter the decedent’s name and demographic information in GAVERS. Then, GAVERS electronically alerts the certifying physician that a record is ready for completion and verification. Next, the physician (or designated staff) enters the cause of death and other information and electronically verifies the record. Once the record in GAVERS is complete and verified, the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Vital Records Office can obtain a death certificate from the system.

How can my funeral home become part of GAVERS?

To join GAVERS and receive training on the system, contact the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Office of Vital Records at (404) 679-4745 or DPH-GAVERSadmin@dph.ga.gov.

How do I submit a death record worksheet or a long-form certificate?

Worksheets and long-form certificates can be submitted in one of three ways:

• Through GAVERS
• In person
• By fax to (404) 508-7895 (fax a cover sheet and the worksheet with the cause of death, interval, and physician’s name and title)

What time do you stop accepting worksheets and long-form certificates for same-day processing?

Worksheets and long-form certificates are accepted until 4:00 p.m. for same-day processing. Worksheets and long-form certificates received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed the following business day.

How do I order a death certificate?

Complete this form. Then either:

• Bring it to the Office of Vital Records in the Richardson Health Center
• Email it to dekalbvitalrecords@dph.ga.gov
• Fax it to (404) 508-7895

Payment is due upon receipt of the certificate(s).

How do I obtain permission to have a body cremated, shipped out of Georgia, or donated?

A permit is required to have a body cremated, shipped out of Georgia or donated. Click on the link for the Permit for Disposition of Human Remains form.

Submit the completed form to the DeKalb County Vital Records Office, along with the death certificate worksheet or long-form certificate. The Vital Records Office will then issue a permit.

How do I obtain permission to have a body disinterred and reinterred?

A permit is needed to have a body disinterred and reinterred in a different cemetery. Click on the link for the Application to Disinter/Reinter Human Remains form. A permit is not required to relocate a body within the same cemetery.

Submit the completed form to the DeKalb County Vital Records Office, along with the death certificate worksheet or long-form certificate. The Vital Records Office will then issue a permit.

How can I receive training and assistance from the Georgia Office of Vital Records?

Regional consultants are available to provide training and assistance. They serve as liaisons between funeral homes and the Georgia Office of Vital Records. The regional consultant for DeKalb County is:

Jerrica Barnes
West Regional Consultant
(770) 909-2984
jerrica.barnes3@dph.ga.gov

Or, you can contact the Georgia Office of Vital Records at (404) 679-4745 or DPH-GAVERSadmin@dph.ga.gov.