Death Certificate – Procedure and documents required in India

Death certificate is official government document that confirms death of person. It records details such as date, place and cause of death. Death certificate is required to claim insurance, close bank accounts, transfer property or to complete legal procedures. In India, death must be registered within 21 days. In this blog we will discuss how to apply for death certificate

Death certificate

Death certificate can refer to two related documents:

1. Legal document issued by an authority such as the Registrar of Births and Deaths. This document records details like deceased person’s name, date of death, place of death and cause of death. These details are entered into the official register.
2. Medical certificate issued by doctor confirming that person has died.

Before official death certificate is issued, Registrar needs confirmation from doctor or coroner about who has died and what caused the death. In some cases, such as when person dies from old age and there are no signs of anything unusual, police officer or paramedic may be allowed to confirm death. In these situations, autopsy is not required. But, if there is any doubt or suspicion that death may involve crime, alcohol or drugs, autopsy is carried out.

Death certificates are also issued for stillbirths. This means babies who are born after 24 weeks of pregnancy but show no signs of life.

Certified copy of death certificate is required to:

• Officially prove that the person has died
• Settle property and financial matters of the deceased
• Access bank accounts, credit records, or other financial information
• Claim insurance or other benefits

Having death certificate helps make sure that all important legal and financial matters can be handled without unnecessary delays.

Documents required for death certificate

When applying for death certificate, applicant must submit following documents to the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the concerned local authority:

1. Proof of birth of deceased (birth certificate)
2. Affidavit specifying the date and time of death
3. Copy of ration card of the deceased
4. Cremation certificate (if any)
5. Required fee in form of court fee stamps
6. Evidence of relationship with the deceased, complete address and proof of nationality of the person applying for the Death Certificate.
   • For the purpose of showing evidence of relationship with the deceased, birth certificate naming both parents and passport showing family details (if the deceased is a parent), marriage/ civil certificate (in the event that the deceased is a spouse) may be used.
   • For the purpose of showing proof of address, Passport, Bank Statement/ Passbook, Post Office Account Statement/Passbook, Ration Card, Voter ID or Driving License may be used.
   • For the purpose of showing proof of nationality, a birth certificate, Voter ID, Passport may be used.

7. Medical certificate of cause of death signed by a doctor
8. Organ donor card of the deceased (if any)

All documents shown as proof must be self-attested by the applicant.

How to apply for death certificate offline

• Get death registration form from local body authorities of the area where deceased lived, or from Registrar of Births and Deaths. Form is also available online on official Civil Registration System portal.
• Fill out the form with required details such as:
  • Date of death
  • Sex (Male/Female)
  • Place of death
  • Father’s and Mother’s names
  • Name of hospital/nursing home/medical institution (if applicable)
  • Residential address (if death occurred at home)

• Attach supporting documents (like medical certificate of cause of death, ID proof of applicant, etc.)
• Submit form to local authorities/Registrar.
• Submitted form and documents are checked by local authorities.
• Once verified and cleared, death is officially registered.

How to apply for death certificate online

• For deaths occurring at home, citizens can register online within 21 days.
• Create account on the CRS portal. Enter these details:
  • Username, Email ID, Mobile number
  • Date, State, District, Sub‑district/Taluk, Village/Town of death
  • Registration unit details
  • Captcha verification

• After logging in, fill death reporting form (legal + statistical portions).
• Print application and submit it to the concerned Registrar with required documents.
• After submission, applicants receive confirmation email.
• Status of application can be tracked online using Application Reference Number.
• Once approved, Death Certificate is issued by Registrar.

Fees for death certificate

• Within 21 days of death – Registration is free of cost at Registrar of Births and Deaths.
• Between 21 to 30 days – Late fee of Rs. 25 is required along with Form 2.
• Between 30 days to 1 year – Late fee of Rs. 50 is required. You also need additional documents i.e. Form 2, non availability certificate (Form 10), affidavit/declaration, permission from Joint Director of Statistics
• After 1 year – Registration is allowed only with order from First Class Magistrate. Applicant must submit Form 2, Form 10, affidavit or declaration, and prescribed late fees. Process may take more time.