What is the statutory deadline to register a death without penalty?

Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, a death must be reported to the registrar within 21 days of occurrence.

Who is the competent issuing authority for a Death Certificate?

The Registrar of Births and Deaths at the Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Gram Panchayat is the issuing authority.

Delayed registrations after 21 days require payment of late fees, an affidavit, and formal verification order from the Tehsildar or SDM.

Registration of death on Form 2 is free of cost if reported within the statutory period, though delayed search fees apply thereafter.

A death certificate is typically generated and issued within 7–14 Days of submission.

मृत्यु प्रमाण पत्र पंजीकरण आवेदन (प्रपत्र 2)

यह फॉर्म गाइड हिंदी में पढ़ें (Read in Hindi) →

Primary legal certificate proving death, required for insurance claims, bank balance settlements, and property inheritance.

Authority: Registrar of Births & Deaths / Municipal Corporation
Stamp paper / fee: Free within 21 days (Magistrate order affidavit required if delayed > 1 year)
How to submit: CRS Portal / Municipal Ward Office
Processing time: 7–14 Days
Official portal: https://crsorgi.gov.in

Obtain Institutional Demise or Cremation Slip
Secure the official death summary / Form 4 from the hospital where the demise occurred, or obtain the official burial / cremation ground receipt.
Complete Registration Form 2
Fill in the statutory Form 2 with the deceased citizen's demographic details, cause of demise, permanent address, and informant particulars.
Attach Identity Proofs
Attach self-attested photocopies of the deceased citizen's Aadhaar card / voter ID, along with the applicant's identity and address proof.
Submit to Registrar Within 21 Days
Submit the completed proforma to the Municipal Health Officer or Gram Panchayat Secretary having jurisdiction within the mandatory 21 days period.
Collect Certified Death Certificate
Collect the official death certificate bearing the registration number, official seal, and QR code verification from the municipal office or state portal.

In the deceased particulars section, record the full legal name, gender, age at demise, and Aadhaar number of the deceased.
Under date and place of demise, specify the exact calendar date and hospital name or residential address where the death occurred.
In the parentage / spouse column, write the spouse's full legal name and father's name as recorded in official identity documents.
Under informant details, provide the applicant's full name, relationship to the deceased, residential address, and mobile number.

Delaying reporting beyond the statutory 21 days window, which requires delayed permission orders from the SDM.
Spelling discrepancies between the hospital death summary slip and the deceased's government identity cards.
Failing to preserve the official cremation or burial ground receipt as proof of physical demise.
Providing an incorrect permanent address differing from the municipal revenue jurisdiction.

What is the statutory deadline to register a death without penalty?: Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, a death must be reported to the registrar within 21 days of occurrence.
Who is the competent issuing authority for a Death Certificate?: The Registrar of Births and Deaths at the Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Gram Panchayat is the issuing authority.
What happens if a death is not reported within 21 days?: Delayed registrations after 21 days require payment of late fees, an affidavit, and formal verification order from the Tehsildar or SDM.
What is the official government fee for Form 2 death registration?: Registration of death on Form 2 is free of cost if reported within the statutory period, though delayed search fees apply thereafter.
How long does it take to receive the death certificate?: A death certificate is typically generated and issued within 7–14 Days of submission.