Death Certificate: A death certificate is a legal document issued to the next of kin of the deceased by the government. This document declares the cause of death, time of death, location of death and other personal details of the deceased.
Students can find more about Certificates, explore the types used for academic purposes, professional purposes and more.
Who Issues a Death Certificate?
Typically, government administrative bodies responsible for civic amenities can issue a death certificate. These can include:
- In Rural areas,
- Registrar – Village Accountant.
- In Urban areas
- In the case of Town Municipal councils: The health inspector
- In the case of City corporations: Health officer
- In the case of Notified areas/ Cantonment – the health inspector
- In the case of City Municipal councils: Health officer/Health inspector
Why do You Need A Death Certificate?
A death certificate is needed for many purposes – first and foremost, it acts as proof for legal purposes. Government officials may also need to review the certificate to determine if foul play was involved. Moreover, death certificates are needed to claim life insurance or access pension. It is also required to allocate property (inheritance).
Death Certificate Application Process
The following are the steps to apply for a death certificate:
- The application for a death certificate can be obtained from the area’s local civic authorities.
- Fill the registration form with relevant details. Furthermore, the process must be performed within 21 days of a death, failing which, a fine will be imposed and the process becomes much more tedious.
- The applicant will also have to submit documentary evidence of death – either in the form of a hospital letter where the death took place or a letter from a civil official where burial/ cremation took place.
- A death certificate will be issued after verification of the details.
- Some states also provide the opportunity to apply for a death certificate online. For instance, to register deaths (and births) that happened within the state of Karnataka, one can register with https://ejanma.karnataka.gov.in/ and apply for the same.
Download Application Forma for Late Registration of Death
Fines for Late Application
- If the registration of death is done within 21 days of occuring, the certificate is issued free of cost.
- If the registration of the death is done after 21 days of occuring, then a fine of INR 25/- is applicable. The death will then be certified only by the Medial Officer, Health (MOH).
- If the registration of the death is done after 30 days of occuring, then a fine of INR 50/- is applicable. The death will then be certified only by the Joint Director of Statistics.
- If the registration of the death is done after a year, the applicant can only get the death certificate by the order of a first-class Magistrate or Presidency Magistrate. This is an extremely lengthy process that requires additional legal documents – such as an affidavit.
Documents Required for Death Certificate
Ensure that the following documents are readily available when applying for a death certificate.
- Proof of birth of the deceased
- The applicant is required to provide proof of relationship with the deceased
- Affidavit specifying the date and time of death
- Copy of ration card.
Download Application Form for Corrections in Death Certificate
FAQ’s on Death Certificate
Question 1.
How can I get a death certificate online in Karnataka?
Answer:
An applicant can visit https://ejanma.karnataka.gov.in/ and register the deaths on the portal. The death certificate will be issued after verification.
Question 2.
How to apply for a death certificate offline?
Answer:
The applicant can apply for a death certificate at their area’s local civic authorities. They must fill the registration form with relevant details and provide supporting documentation. Furthermore, if the process is not performed within 21 days of a death, a fine will be imposed and the subsequent processes become more tedious.
Question 3.
Are death certificates recorded?
Answer:
Yes, death certificates are legal documents and shall be recorded at the respective civic administration office.
Question 4.
How long does it take to receive a death certificate?
Answer:
It typically takes one day to a week to receive a death certificate, provided if the applicant registers the death within 21 days of occurring.