Short answer: Yes, the Death Master File (DMF) is still available, but access is restricted. The U.S. government limits who can access the full file due to privacy laws, while a public version is available through Vital Records Index Death Records.
Long Answer
What Is the Death Master File?
The Death Master File (DMF), maintained by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), is a database of reported deaths, including:
Full name
Social Security Number (SSN)
Date of birth and death
State of issuance
Fun fact: Grace Muzzey of Concord, New Hampshire was the first person issued a social security number.
It has historically been used for identity verification, fraud prevention, medical research, and genealogy.
Is It Still Available?
Yes — but with restrictions. In 2013, the Bipartisan Budget Act imposed new limitations due to concerns about identity theft.
Limited Access Public DMF:
Available through the NTIS.
Does not include recently deceased individuals (deaths within the past 3 years).
Redacted to comply with privacy laws.
Full Access DMF:
Available only to certified users under a strict program administered by NTIS.
Access is granted to entities that demonstrate a legitimate fraud prevention or compliance need (e.g., banks, insurers, government contractors).
Certification includes security audits and compliance with SSA’s security controls.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Unauthorized access or misuse of the DMF can result in civil penalties.
Entities must sign a DMF Limited Access Certification Form and comply with data protection requirements.
Alternatives for Genealogy and Research
Public genealogy sites may use older versions of the DMF. For example, here are Richmond, Virginian death records, California death records, and even Hagatna, Guam death records.
Researchers may rely on obituaries, cemetery records, or state vital records databases.
Summary
The Death Master File is still available but is no longer openly accessible in its full form. A limited public version exists, and the full version requires certification and regulatory compliance to access. These changes are designed to balance data utility with privacy and fraud protection.