The Death Certificate is an official document issued by the Civil Registry that certifies a person's death, the date, place, and other essential details. To obtain it without administrative complications, it is recommended to use the services of a specialised agency (gestoría), which manages the procedure efficiently and remotely.

Prerequisites

• Deceased person's data: Full name, exact date of death, municipality and province where the death occurred, as well as registry references if known (from the family record book or previous certificates).
• Applicant identification: DNI, NIE, or passport, as applicable.
• Shipping address: For receiving the certificate by certified mail.
• Authorisation: You must provide a signature on the form to authorise remote management.
• Additional details: If registry data such as volume (tomo) or folio is available, it facilitates the process. Neither electronic signature nor software installation is required.

If the certificate is for international use, consider the Hague apostille option, available through the same agency for countries adhering to the convention.

Steps to apply for the certificate

1. Access the agency portal: Ingrese al sitio web dedicado para iniciar el trámite en línea, disponible las 24 horas sin requerir desplazamientos -> https://www.registrocivil.es/en/application-for-certificate-of-death/
2. Complete the digital form: Enter all required data for the death and the applicant. Verify the information to avoid delays. Include your signature in the designated space to authorise the management.
3. Select additional options: If you need extra copies, apostille, last wills, death insurance, or maximum priority, check the corresponding boxes during the process.
4. Make the secure payment: Pay the management fees and any chosen supplements. Payment is made transparently and securely.
5. Confirm and await delivery: Once processed, the agency will handle the request before the corresponding Civil Registry and send the certificate to your address by certified mail. You will receive updates by email, including a tracking code to monitor the shipment.

Associated costs

Costs vary depending on the options selected, but include a base fee for professional management:

• Base fee: €55.00 (VAT included), which covers processing by a registered professional (gestor).
• Additional copies: €5 for the second copy, €10 for the third.
• Hague Apostille: €25, if required for international use.
• Management and issuance of the Last Wills certificate: €25.
• Management and issuance of the Death Coverage Insurance Contracts certificate: €25.
• Maximum Priority: €35, to expedite the process.
• Shipping: Calculated in the final step, depending on the destination (national or international).

The total is shown before confirming payment, ensuring transparency. There are no hidden costs, and the service is managed by a private entity independent of the Ministry of Justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can request the Death Certificate?
  Any person can request the Death Certificate for registrations recorded in Civil Registries, Justice of the Peace Courts, City Councils, or Spanish Consulates in Spain or abroad, from 1870 onwards. There are no specified kinship restrictions, provided the necessary data is supplied (e.g., from the family record book or previous certificates). The applicant must be properly identified and authorise the management with their signature.
• How long does the procedure take?
  The process is usually completed in a few working days, depending on the Civil Registry involved. With the maximum priority option, management is accelerated. Death insurance data is available for 5 years from the date of death.
• What if I don't know all the data?
  The agency offers personalised assistance to resolve doubts. Contact through the portal for guidance before completing the form; registry data helps, but a professional gestor will assist directly.
• Is the certificate valid for international procedures?
  Yes, but for countries adhering to the Hague Convention, it is recommended to add the apostille, available as an additional option in the request.
• Are there refunds if there are errors?
  The agency guarantees a professional service; in case of incidents, contact for corrections without unnecessary extra costs.