Apply for a death certificate

Register a death and obtain a certified death certificate from the Births and Deaths Registry. You need this document for estate settlement, insurance, and official government processes.

Before you apply

Register the death within 3 months to avoid late-registration penalties. For deaths in hospitals, the facility usually issues a medical certificate of cause of death — collect this before visiting the Registry.

Step by step

1. Obtain the medical certificate of cause of death from the hospital or attending doctor.
2. Visit the Births and Deaths Registry office in the district where the death occurred.
3. Complete and sign the prescribed registration form.
4. Submit all required documents and pay any applicable fee.
5. Receive the death certificate, or collect it within 3 working days.

After you apply

Keep certified copies for estate administration, insurance claims, pension withdrawals, and any legal proceedings. The Registry can issue additional certified copies if you need more.