Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Apply for a death certificate

Description

The death certificate is a document that certifies the death of a person.

You can receive the application for a death certificate as

the last spouse or partner
the last civil partner within the meaning of the Registered Civil Partnership Act
ancestors and descendants of the deceased person or
siblings with a legitimate interest and
close relatives with a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court

You can submit the application at any registry office. The certificate is issued by the registry office keeping the register.

The death certificate contains the following information about the deceased person

The first names and surname, maiden name,
place and date of birth,
the last place of residence and marital status,
the first names and surname, maiden name of the spouse or civil partner,
Place and time of death.

The death certificate can be important, for example, for

the funeral and its preparation, for example for coffining and repatriation,
the settlement of the estate and
claiming statutory or private insurance benefits.

Prerequisites

The death is recorded in the death register of the relevant registry office. You can apply for the certificate to be issued before it is notarized. The certificate will only be issued after notarization.
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
You are part of the immediate family, for example aunt and uncle, who can credibly demonstrate a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court.
- for other persons without any family connection:
  - Proof of legal interest, for example
  - certificate of inheritance
  - extract from the land register
  - Identity card or passport
You are at least 16 years old.

Required documents

for close relatives:
- Proof of relationship, for example
  - birth certificate
  - marriage certificate
  - civil partnership certificate
- Identity card or passport
for siblings of the deceased person:
- Proof of the family relationship
- Proof of legitimate interest, e.g. family or genealogical research
- Identity card or passport
if collected by a representative:
- written power of attorney from the authorized person
- your own identity card or passport
for other persons without any relationship:
- Proof of legal interest, for example
  - certificate of inheritance
  - extract from the land register
- Identity card or passport

Deadlines

Application Deadline: 30 Years
Every registry office must keep a record of deaths for 30 years. The application for a death certificate must be made within this period.