Sterbeurkunde eines Familienmitglieds beantragen

Every death must be reported to the registry office in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

A death certificate can be issued as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register.

The death certificate is important, for example, for the funeral and its preparation (e.g. for the coffin and transfer) as well as for the settlement of the estate. You will also need a death certificate to claim statutory or private insurance benefits.

• Identity card or passport,
• if collected by a representative: written power of attorney from the authorized person, their identity card or passport (original or certified copy) and their own identity card or passport,
• for other persons, such as close relatives, proof of legal interest.

The death certificate completed by a doctor is a prerequisite for the notification of death.

You can submit an application for a death certificate as:

• the last spouse,
• the last civil partner within the meaning of the Civil Partnership Act,
• ancestors and descendants of the deceased person,
• Siblings with a legitimate interest.

Other persons, including close relatives such as aunts and uncles, will only receive a death certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (e.g. by means of a letter from the probate court).

• The administrative fee for issuing a death certificate amount to € 13.00 for the first copy and € 6.50 for for all further copies requested at the same time and produced in the same process.
• The issuing of a death certificate for the statutory pension insurance or for the social welfare office is free of charge.

You can apply for and collect the death certificate in person from the relevant registry office.

• Present your identity card or passport to prove your identity.
• You usually pay the fee in advance when applying at the registry office.

You can also have the death certificate applied for and collected by a person you trust. In addition to a written power of attorney, this person must present their own and your identity card or passport (original or certified copy).

Application by post, fax or e-mail:

• Send an informal application for a death certificate to the relevant registry office.
• Your letter should refer to your entitlement to apply. It must contain the following information about the deceased person:
  • Surname, first name,
  • Date and place of birth,
  • date and place of death,
  • if applicable, details of the deceased's spouse,
  • if known: Registry office and notarization number.
• You will receive a notification of fees when the certificate is sent to you.

Every death must be reported to the registry office of the municipality in whose jurisdiction the death occurred.

A death certificate can be issued as soon as the death has been recorded in the death register.

The death certificate is important, for example, for the funeral and its preparation (e.g. for the coffin and transfer) as well as for the settlement of the estate. A death certificate is also required in order to claim statutory or private insurance benefits.

As a rule, contact the registry office that keeps the death register with the death entry.