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How To Request an Autopsy Report

How to Request an Autopsy Report

Here’s a clear step-by-step outline of what’s usually required to obtain an autopsy report from a local medical examiner or coroner’s office in the United States. Procedures vary slightly by state or county, but these are the general steps and details you’ll need. 

A good first step would be to find the medical examiner’s official website. There, you will find information on how to obtain records, fees, and policies. 

Just a reminder that a request to the ME, will not get you police reports. You would still need to make a public records request from the police department for the case file, reports, photos, etc. 

1. Confirm Medical Examiner’s Jurisdiction

  • Determine which office performed the autopsy.
    Autopsies are handled by the medical examiner or coroner in the county or city where the death occurred, not where the decedent lived.
  • You can look up the correct agency by searching:
    “County name Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy report request.”

2. Identify Eligibility to Obtain an Autopsy Report 

  • Next of kin (spouse, parent, child, sibling, legal guardian) typically has the first right to request a full report.
  • Attorneys, insurance companies, or journalists may request reports, but access depends on public-records laws and case status (open or closed).
  • Some offices restrict release until criminal or civil investigations are complete.

3. Collect Required Information

Have the following details ready:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Date of death (or approximate range)
  • Place of death (Exact address or location, city or county)
  • Case number (if known)
  • Your relationship to the deceased
  • Contact information (address, phone, email)
  • Purpose of request (family record, legal, insurance, research, etc.)

4. Complete the Medical Examiner’s Request Form

  • Many offices provide a downloadable “Request for Autopsy Report” or “Public Records Request” form.
  • Fill it out accurately and sign it.
  • Some agencies require the form to be notarized or accompanied by a copy of a photo ID.

5. Submit the Request

Send it through one of the accepted methods:

  • Mail: to the medical examiner’s records division
  • Email or fax: if allowed by the office
  • In person: at the medical examiner’s office during business hours

6. Pay Any Fees

  • Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically range from $10 to $50 for a basic autopsy report.
  • Toxicology reports, photos, or additional documentation may cost extra.
  • Payment methods (check, money order, online portal) vary by office.

7. Wait for Processing

  • Processing time: usually 2–8 weeks, depending on backlog and whether the investigation is ongoing.
  • If the case is still open, the office may provide only limited information until closure.

8. Receive the Report

  • Once approved, the report is sent by mail, email, or made available for in-person pickup.
  • The final report typically includes:
    • Cause and manner of death
    • Summary of external and internal findings
    • Toxicology results (if requested)
    • Microscopic and ancillary studies (if requested)
    • Pathologist’s signature and report date
  • Ask if the medical examiner has an appointment, either in person, online, or over the phone, so they can explain the report to you in layman’s terms. 

9. Understand Limitations

  • Autopsy photographs or scene photos are generally not public and require special authorization or a court order.
  • If the death is part of an active criminal case, release may be delayed until prosecution concludes.

Related Articles

Freedom of Information Act

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