Contact the medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, or hospital that performed the autopsy
Request the report from the records or release-of-information department
Provide the deceased person’s full name, date of death, and any case or file number
Show proof of your relationship or legal authority, if required
Submit a written request form if the office requires one
Provide a copy of your identification if requested
Pay any required processing or copy fees
Ask about the expected turnaround time for release
If the report is not available yet, ask when it will be completed
If access is restricted, request guidance on who is authorized to receive it
If needed, obtain a court order or legal authorization
Request both the full autopsy report and any related toxicology or pathology results
Follow up in writing if the request is delayed
Check state or local laws for specific access rules