Applying for a relative's death certificate
In the event of death, you as a relative of the deceased can apply for a death certificate.
The death certificate is a document that certifies the death of a person.
Any death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.
The death certificate is an important document that you can apply for as a relative in the event of death.
You can apply for a death certificate as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register.
Important is the death certificate for, for example:
- the burial and its preparation (e.g. for the burial and transfer) as well as
- the settlement of the estate
- the use of statutory or private insurance benefits.
You can apply for a death certificate in person, in writing or electronically at the responsible registry office.
When applying, you must submit:
- Identity card or passport
-
Proof of kinship, such as
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Civil partnership certificate
-
when picked up by a representative:
- written power of attorney of the authorized person,
- their identity card and
- your own ID
- for other people, such as close relatives:
-
Proof of legal interest, such as
- Certificate of inheritance
- Excerpt from the land register
- Forms: yes
- Online procedure possible: yes
- Written form required: yes
- Personal appearance required: no
Hint:
As a rule, applications can be submitted via the website of the responsible registry office.
Preconditions
An application for a death certificate can be submitted:
- the last spouse,
- the last life partner within the meaning of the Act on Registered Partnerships,
- ancestors and descendants of the deceased person, or
- siblings with legitimate interest,
- closer relatives, such as aunts and uncles, who can credibly demonstrate a legal interest, for example by writing to the probate court
Related Links
-
§ 55 Civil Status Act (PStG) -
§ 60 Civil Status Act (PStG) -
§ 62 Civil Status Act (PStG)
You must apply for the death certificate at the competent registry office in person, in writing or electronically.
Personal application:
- Go to your local registry office during opening hours to apply for a death certificate.
- You must present your identity card or passport for legitimation.
- You can also apply for the death certificate by a person you trust and have it picked up. In addition to a written power of attorney, this person must present their own identity card or passport (original or certified copy).
Application by post, fax or e-mail:
- Send the competent registry office an informal application for a death certificate by post, fax or e-mail.
- Your letter should respond to your eligibility to apply.
-
The letter must contain the following information about the deceased person:
- Surname, first name
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- where applicable, details of the spouse of the deceased
- Registry office and notarization number (if known)
Responsible for the content
Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI)
Last update or date of publication
22.11.2021