📖 Legal

What's the process to get a death certificate in India?

Reporting the Death

Where: Local municipal authority (Municipal Corporation or Panchayat)
When: Within 21 days of the death
Who Reports:

  • Hospital deaths: The hospital usually reports.
  • Home deaths: A family member should report.

Gathering Necessary Documents

  • Identity Proof of the deceased (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
  • Relationship Proof with the deceased (if required)
  • Medical Certificate stating the cause of death (from the attending doctor or hospital)

Submitting the Application

  • Location: Local municipal office or Registrar of Births and Deaths
  • What to Do:
    • Fill out the death certificate application form.
    • Attach the necessary documents.
    • Pay any required fee.

Verification
The municipal authority verifies the details, potentially cross-checking with hospital records or the medical certificate.

Receiving the Certificate

  • Processing Time: Varies (from a few days to a couple of weeks)
  • Collection: Collect in person or download online (if the state offers this service). You can obtain a death certificate or a copy of death certificate online, depending on the municipal policies.

Who Can Get a Copy of a Death Certificate

  • Who can get a copy of a death certificate: Typically, the immediate family members or legal representatives can request a copy of death certificate.
  • Documents to prove family relationships might be required for those requesting the certificate.

Cremation or Burial

  • If the deceased has been cremated or buried, ensure you have the proper records, such as a cremation or burial certificate, to provide as part of the documentation.

Also Read: How do NRI get the death certificate if it is lost in India?

 

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