A death certificate is an official document which specifies the death of an individual. It is a record that holds information about the cause, time, date of death, and other details of the deceased person.
It is generally issued by the medical practitioner who can specify the cause of death of the individual. It is important to issue a death certificate for a deceased relative as it serves as legal proof that the individual is no longer alive. It is necessary to register the death within 21 days of the day of death.
Importance of issuing a death certificate
Issuing a death certificate can be a very overwhelming process and hence it is important to know why is it important and how to do so. Here are some of the benefits that a death certificate avails –
- For claiming the life insurance after the death of the individual can only be done after showing a copy of the death certificate.
- In case the deceased was a government employee, the pension can be received by the immediate family members, with the help of a death certificate.
- Some of the health benefits can also be availed by members of the family such as the spouse or children of the deceased.
- In order to access the bank accounts and other estate-related matters, which can only be handled by someone else close to the deceased, after the copies of the death certificate are submitted and verified by the respective authorities.
Details reflected in the death certificate
A death certificate carries vital information about the death of the person which acts as legal proof of the individual’s death. Generally, all the death certificates issued in India carry the following details, however, some may vary as per the state and district.
- Name and address of the individual
- Sex of the individual.
- The place, date, and time of the birth of the person.
- Birthplace and names of both the parents of the deceased person
- Social security number
- Education qualification
- Cause of death
- Date, place and time of death
- Name of the medical institution where the death took place (if valid)
- Marital status of the person and the name of spouse
Online process
The registration of a death certificate can be done by the online method, which makes it an easier and convenient process for the family members. Mentioned below are the steps and guidelines for issuing a death certificate by the online process –
- The very first step is to visit the official website, which varies for each state. For instance, for Delhi, the official portal of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is the website that one shall open.
- Once logged in, one shall select their district and area of their residence.
- Once the web page appears next, the applicant shall click on the ‘registration of death and birth’ button.
- Next, select the option of ‘register the death impanelled institutions’ from various options that appear on the screen.
- An application form will appear on the screen in which the applicant must fill in the details correctly.
- Once completed, click on the ‘submit’ option.
- Online payment of Rs. 21 is to be made after submitting the application form, that can be done via debit or credit cards or via net banking options available. Once this is done, an online copy of the death certificate shall appear, that can be downloaded and taken print off.
Fee of registration
If the death certificate is being issued within 21 days of a death, it is done free of the cot. However, if this is not done and the certificate is issued 25 to 30 days prior the death, a late fee of Rs. 25 is charged.
