Death is an inevitable event that we all have to face and the saddest part is that some of our family members and loved ones are set on a similar path.
Death of an individual cannot be stopped but we all have to perform our duties and processes diligently.
By law, when someone in your family dies, you have to report it to the authorities and acquire a death certificate to officially register the death of the individual. In this article, we will discuss how to get a death certificate, when to apply, and much more.
What is a Death Certificate?
A death Certificate is a certificate issued by the local government authority to the deceased’s family as an official proof of death of the individual.
This is an important document to apply for as per the Birth and Death Act, of 1969. This provides relief for the dead one from any official, social, or financial obligations.
The death certificate is also a very important document when it comes to the settlement of inheritance, collection insurance, etc.
Who Should Apply for a Death Certificate?
As per the law, if the death of the individual has taken place in a hospital, then the death certificate will be applied by the head of the department handling the death and mortuary.
In case, the death of the individual took place at home/ or any other place, then the death certificate will be applied by the head of the family or anyone who is taking responsibility for the family.
How to Apply for a Death Certificate?
The following are the steps that you’ll have to follow to apply for a death certificate-
Online
- You’ll have to first check whether your state offers an online death certification application or not, if not then you’ll have to visit the government office and deliver it personally
- For those who have the online facility, visit the state’s official municipal authority website and navigate to the services tab followed by clicking on the Death Certificate application
- Now, fill out the information related to the name of the demise, Aadhaar card, date of demise, reason of death, location of death, your name and relation, etc.
- After filling out the application form, you’ll have to upload the documents mentioned below to the relevant section followed by clicking on the submit section
- After that, if you’ve applied for the death certificate after a long time i.e. not within 21 days, then the death certificate will come with a penalty fee which you’ll have to pay
- After paying that, your application will be processed and you’ll receive your death certificate via post.
Offline
- To apply for the death certificate offline, visit the local office of the municipality and ask for the application form for the death certificate
- Now, fill out the information related to the name of the demise, Aadhaar card, date of demise, reason of death, location of death, your name and relation, etc.
- After filling out the application form, attach the documents mentioned below to the relevant section followed by clicking on the submit section
- After that, if you’ve applied for the death certificate after a long time i.e. not within 21 days, then the death certificate will come with a penalty fee which you’ll have to pay
- After paying that, your application will be processed and you’ll receive your death certificate via post.
Documents Required for Death Certificate
The following are the documents required for registration of the Death Certificate-
Within 21 days
- Reporting Form II
- After 21 days and within 30 days
- Reporting Form No II
- Application of informant Revealing the cause of the delay
After 30 days but within one year
- Two sets of Form II
- Application to district registrar revealing the cause of delay
- Affidavit of informant – certified by a Gazetted Officer
- NAC
After one year
- Two sets of Form II
- Application of informant to Revenue Divisional Officer / Sub Divisional Magistrate revealing the cause of delay
- Affidavit of informant – Certified by Gazetted Officer
Documents Required to be attached along with the form
The following are the documents that you’ll have to attach while filling out the form-
- Identity Proof of Applicant like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, etc.
- Residential Address Proof of Applicant like Aadhaar Card, Passport, Bank Passbook, Telephone Bill
- Identity Proof of Deceased like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, Ration Card, etc.
- For a minor, a letter from the School Principal, a School ID Card, or a birth certificate in case of a minor less than 5 years of age would also be acceptable.
- Permanent Address Proof of Deceased like an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Bank Passbook, Telephone Bill (Landline or Post-paid), Voter ID card, Ration Card, etc.
- Proof of Death of Deceased (One is mandatory) like Cremation/Burial Slip Police Enquiry Report or Nursing home/Hospital Report Court Order
- Affidavit
FAQ
The issuing of the death certificate can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days and at max can take two weeks for processing.
You’ll get at least 21 days to register the death for a death certificate, after which you’ll start to be penalized for the delay in the death certification application.
Yes, as per the Birth & Death Act of 1969, the head of the family must indicate the government authority for any death and get a death certificate from the authority.
