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How-to · Records & IDs

Request a medical examiner or autopsy report

Close relatives, personal representatives and others named in law can request medical examiner and autopsy reports using the state records request form.

Steps

5 steps
  1. Check that you may request the reportParents, spouses, siblings, children and personal representatives of the deceased can, as can others named in the law.
  2. Fill out the records request formEvery request must include the Medical Examiners Records Request Form. Different offices and fees apply by situation, so read the form.
  3. Add what your role requiresFamily members include a copy of state-issued ID. Insurers and attorneys send an authorization or a representation letter.
  4. Send it to the state officeLane County deaths go to the state office. Photos are not always available, especially with older reports.
  5. Wait for the reports to be finalizedOnce reports are finalized, requests are generally filled within one week.

Bring

  • Records request form
  • Copy of state-issued ID (family)
  • Next-of-kin release (insurers)
  • Representation letter (attorneys)
The state keeps medical examiner records for 25 years after the date of death.

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