Is there any reason that you would not be able to accept a copy or fax of a death certificate? Any administrators out there want to comment? Do you require an original?

I wouldn't accept a fax from the "deceased" individual.

Nor would I, Kirk. Actually, I'd probably accept a fax that clearly shows an appropriate stamp or signature by a county registrar of records (or whatever the appropriate agency is), although I think that a plan administrator is well within its rights to ask for a certified copy, whether to keep or simply to review and return.