About applying for death certificate

If your relative or close friend passes on, go to the Department of Home Affairs Registrar of Births and Deaths section to apply for a death certificate. You will be issued with an abridged death certificate and the deceased ID will be cancelled.

A death certificate is a document issued by the Department of Home Affairs to relatives of the deceased, stating the date and cause of death.

What you should do

• You must notify the police, funeral undertaker or nearest hospital/clinic if a person has passed on.
• A doctor or registered medical officer will perform a post-mortem and complete form BI-1663. The funeral undertaker responsible for funeral arrangements will complete a certain part of BI -1663 form.
• Bring the following to the Department of Home Affairs office:
• cause of death certificate 
• deceased identity document (ID)
• your ID
• marriage certificate, where applicable.
  

Death outside South Africa:

• If a South African citizen or permanent residence holder dies outside of South Africa, the death must be reported to the nearest South African embassy or mission. A certified copy of the death certificate issued by the foreign country must also be submitted to the embassy.
• If the deceased is to be buried in South Africa, the Embassy or Mission will assist with arrangements for transportation of the body to South Africa.
  

Timeframe

• Abridged death certificate – same day
• Unabridged death certificate – it takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
  

How much does it cost

• First issue - Free
• Abridged death certificate: R20
• Unabridged death certificate: R75
  

Forms to complete

• Certificate of cause of death, BI-1663
• Application for death certificate, BI-132

Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department.

Who to contact