Identification

Identification of your loved one can be accomplished in different ways, including fingerprints, visual identification, medical and dental radiographs and records, and DNA comparison. The type of identification used will vary depending on the circumstances. Most identifications are confirmed remotely so it is not always necessary for family members to be present at an OCME facility. On the date of the examination, you will be contacted by a member of our Identification Unit to discuss this requirement and other important information. During this conversation, OCME staff will ask family members to provide essential information, such as the decedent’s full legal name and date of birth, to aid in identification and completing the death certificate. If it is determined that a family member or other designee must come to OCME in-person to assist with identification, you will be notified (and arrangements made) to meet with our staff at one of our five family service centers.

For a list of Unidentified decedents who deaths were investigated by the OCME, please visit the ‘Unidentified’ section of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons Database (NamUs).