How to Apply for a Death Certificate

Disclaimer:

The sample application form provided below is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been taken from the Odisha Government Death certificate form to help applicants understand the general nature of information required.

Each State/UT in India prescribes its own death registration form, eligibility requirements, supporting documents, competent authority, fee structure, and procedure.

What Is a Death Certificate

A Death Certificate is an official document issued by the State/UT Government recording the date, place, and cause of death of a person.

It is a mandatory legal record and is required for:

• Settlement of bank accounts, insurance, pensions
• Transfer of property and succession matters
• Claiming government benefits and compensation
• Updating official records
• Court and administrative purposes

The certificate is issued under the Civil Registration System (CRS) by the Local Registrar of Births and Deaths (Municipality, Panchayat, Cantonment Board, or notified authority).

Key Points You Must Know

• Registration of death is compulsory.
• Death should ideally be registered within 21 days.
• Delayed registration is allowed but may require an affidavit, permission, or a late fee.
• Forms, portals, and procedures differ across states/UTs.

How to Apply for a Death Certificate

Online Method

Step 1

Visit the States CRS / e-District / Municipal portal

Step 2

Select the Death Certificate / Death Registration service.

Step 3

Enter details such as date and place of death and hospital/registration number.

Step 4

Upload required documents

Step 5

Submit the Application.

Step 6

Download the digitally signed death certificate once approved.

Offline Method

Step 1

Visit the Municipal Corporation / Nagar Panchayat / Registrar Office.

Step 2

Submit the state-specific death registration form.

Step 3

Attach supporting documents (Hospital death slip, identity proof, etc.).

Step 4

Obtain acknowledgement.

Step 5

Collect the death certificate after registration.

Commonly Required Documents

(Exact requirements vary by state.)

• Death report / medical certificate of cause of death (hospital or doctor)
• Aadhaar or ID proof of the deceased
• Identity proof of applicant/informant
• Cremation/burial receipt

State-Wise Overview

Most states issue the first copy free of cost. Nominal fees may apply for late registration or extra copies.

FAQs – Death Certificate

1. Who can apply for a death certificate?

A family member, relative, hospital authority, or any informant present at the time of death.

2. Is hospital death automatically registered?

In many urban areas, hospitals electronically report deaths, but certificate download may still require an application.

3. What if the death was not registered within 21 days?

Delayed registration is allowed with an affidavit and approval from the competent authority.

4. Can I apply online from another city?

Yes. Online CRS portals allow applications from anywhere.

5. How many copies can be obtained?

Multiple certified copies can be requested, usually for a nominal fee.

6. Is a digital death certificate legally valid?

Yes. Digitally signed certificates issued through official portals are legally valid.