Apply for a death certificate
Under certain conditions, you can apply for the issuance of a death certificate at the competent registry office. This is necessary for various administrative procedures after the death of a person.
Process flow
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You submit the application for the issuance of the death certificate at the competent registry office.
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The registry office will check your details and, if you are eligible, issue the death certificate.
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The registry office will send you the death certificate, unless personal collection has been arranged.
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The fees are paid either in advance or after delivery/pick-up by you.
Competent authority
The jurisdiction lies with the registry office in whose area the death occurred.
Requirements
You are entitled to apply for a death certificate as:
- Spouse and partner of the deceased person
- Ancestor and descendant of the deceased person
(e.g. child, grandchild) - siblings of the deceased person, if you demonstrate a legitimate interest, or
- another person, if you demonstrate a legal interest.
You must be at least 16 years old.
Which documents are required?
- Proof of identity (copy)
What are the fees?
Fee: 15,00 EURPayment in advance: NoIssuance of a death certificate
Fee: 7,50 EURPayment in advance: NoEach additional copy if requested at the same time as the first copy
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
The 30-year deadline for the registry office to keep the death register must not have expired.
Appeal
If the registry office rejects your application for a death certificate, you can apply to the competent court to order the registry office to issue you with the death certificate.
Technically approved by
Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior and Sport
Author
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
