Death registration and death certificate
Inscripción y certificado de defunción
What it is
Registering a death in the Civil Registry is compulsory. It is done with the official form and the medical death certificate; hospitals notify deaths electronically. The Civil Registry then issues the death certificate.
Official wording
La inscripción de la defunción se practicará en virtud de declaración documentada en el formulario oficial, acompañado del certificado médico de la defunción.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
Official sources
- Inscripción de Defunción - Trámites y gestiones personalesES
- Certificado de Defunción - Trámites y Gestiones PersonalesES
- Ley 20/2011, de 21 de julio, del Registro Civil (texto consolidado)ES
- Solicitud de inscripción de defunciónES
- Solicitud de certificado de defunción de forma presencial o por correo postalES
- Sede electrónica: Certificado de DefunciónES
When
When the death occurs. If the person dies in a health centre, the centre reports the death electronically, and then the declarant or the funeral company completes the official form within 24 hours at most.
Official wording
completará y remitirá al registro civil el formulario oficial de declaración de defunción a través de una ventanilla electrónica dentro del plazo máximo de 24 horas.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: The funeral company usually handles it
The death is declared by whoever knows of it, generally the closest relatives. Usually the funeral company, on behalf of the family, handles these steps with the Registro Civil.
Official wording
Generalmente, suelen ser los agentes funerarios, en representación de la familia, los encargados de realizar estos trámites ante el Registro Civil.
Official sources
Step 2: Register at the local Registro Civil
It is registered at the Registro Civil of the place where the death occurred (with special rules if it was during a journey or the place is unknown).
Official wording
La inscripción debe practicarse en el registro civil correspondiente al lugar donde haya ocurrido el fallecimiento
Official sources
Step 3: Request the death certificate
Go to the official website: Request the death certificate (e-office)With a digital certificate or Cl@ve you request it on the e-office and, if the data is available, it is issued immediately. Without Cl@ve you can also apply online, and it is always sent by ordinary post.
Official wording
Si está disponible, su certificación se expedirá en el momento.
Official sources
Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
Official sources
Official sources
Official sources
FAQ
Can I request the certificate in person?
Yes, at the Registro Civil where the death is registered, with the applicant’s ID and the name, place and date of death; also by post with the form. To go in person you need an appointment.
Official wording
En el registro civil en el que conste inscrita la defunción.Official sources
How often can I request it?
You cannot request the same certificate again until 15 days after the previous request, except those issued immediately.
Official wording
No será posible realizar solicitudes del mismo certificado hasta pasados 15 días desde la anterior.Official sources
Related procedures
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