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When someone passes away, one of the first questions family members ask is: how do I get a death certificate? In South Africa, a death certificate is an essential document. Without it, you cannot arrange a funeral, claim life insurance, or begin the process of winding up an estate. This guide explains exactly how to apply for a death certificate, which forms you need, where to go and what it costs.
ALSO READ: Documents needed after death in South Africa: complete checklist
What is a death certificate?
A death certificate is the official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs confirming a person’s death. It includes details such as the deceased’s full name, identity number, date and place of birth, and date and place of death.
You will need this document to:
- Arrange a burial or cremation
- Report the estate to the Master of the High Court
- Place a Notice to Creditors (Form J193) in compliance with the Administration of Estates Act
- Claim pension or life insurance benefits
- Close bank accounts or transfer property
Where to register a death
In South Africa, a death must be reported within 72 hours at one of the following places:
- Any Department of Home Affairs office
- A South African Police Service (SAPS) station, if there is no Home Affairs office nearby
- A South African mission, embassy or consulate, if the death occurs abroad
Forms required to register a death
To obtain a death certificate, these forms are required:
Form BI-1663 (Notification of Death/Still-birth)
Completed by three parties:
- The person reporting the death
- A medical practitioner (or a traditional leader in rural areas where no doctor is available)
- A Home Affairs official (or SAPS member if Home Affairs is not available)
Form BI-1680 (Death Report)
Issued by the Register of Births and Deaths once the death has been recorded.
Form BI-14 (Burial Order)
Issued at the same time as the Death Report. This form allows a burial or cremation to go ahead.
Form BI-132 (Application for Death Certificate)
Used to apply for a full (unabridged) death certificate or a replacement copy.
Types of death certificates
There are two types of death certificates in South Africa:
- Abridged death certificate
- Issued free of charge on the day of registration
- Accepted for many local purposes such as reporting an estate or some insurance claims
- Unabridged (full) death certificate
- Needed for use overseas or in complex estate matters
- Application must be made with Form BI-132
- Current fee: R75.00 (1 October, 2025)
- Processing times vary by office and may take weeks
Step-by-step process to get a death certificate
- Confirm the death with a doctor or undertaker.
- Complete Form BI-1663 with the required sections filled by the reporter, medical professional and DHA or SAPS.
- Submit the deceased’s ID and completed BI-1663 at Home Affairs or SAPS.
- Receive the Death Report (BI-1680), the Burial Order (BI-14), and the abridged death certificate.If required, complete Form BI-132 and pay the prescribed fee to receive an unabridged death certificate.
Costs and timeframes
- Abridged death certificate: Free, issued the same day.
- Unabridged death certificate: R75.00, issued after processing (time varies).
Applying for a death certificate is the first legal step after losing a loved one. It may feel overwhelming, but once you know the process and have the right forms, it can be handled quickly.
At LegalNotice.co.za, we assist families, attorneys and executors with the next step: publishing legally compliant estate notices online. Once you have the death certificate, we can help you place the required Notice to Creditors (Form J193) professionally and efficiently.
