Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for a death certificate

Description

The death certificate is a document that certifies the death of a person. Each death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

You can apply for the death certificate as a family member in the event of death and have it issued in the death register after the death registration.

The death certificate can be important, for example, for:

the funeral and its preparation (e.g. for the coffin and transfer),
the settlement of the estate as well as
the use of statutory or private insurance benefits.

You can apply for the death certificate at the responsible registry office.

Requirements

You are the last spouse or
You are the last civil partner within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act or
You are an ancestor or descendant of the deceased person or
You are a sister or brother with a legitimate interest, or
They are part of the closer relatives, such as aunt and uncle, who can credibly demonstrate a legal interest, for example through a letter from the probate court.
You are at least 16 years old.

Which documents are required?

for close relatives:
- Proof of kinship, such as
  - Birth certificate
  - Marriage certificate
  - Civil partnership certificate
- ID card or passport
for siblings of the deceased:
- Proof of kinship
- Proof of legitimate interest, such as family or genealogy research
- ID card or passport
in case of collection by a representative:
- Written power of attorney of the authorized person
- their identity card or passport, and
- your own ID card or passport
for other persons without any connection to kinship:
- Proof of legal interest, such as
  - Certificate of inheritance
  - Excerpt from the land register
- ID card or passport