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Nova Scotia Forms
health

Death Certificate Application

Application for Death Certificate

Verified January 15, 2024Last updated: January 15, 2024

Timeline

Apply as needed - no deadline

Time to Complete
20-30 minutes
Cost
Fee applies (check current rates)
Processing Time
4-6 weeks

Handled by

Vital Statistics

Available

In Person Only

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Summary

Apply for a death certificate for a deceased person. Required for estate and legal matters.

In Plain Language:

Get an official death certificate document.

Eligibility

You May Qualify If:

  • Family members of the deceased
  • Executors of the estate
  • Legal representatives
  • Authorized third parties

You May NOT Qualify If:

  • Unauthorized third parties
  • People without proof of relationship or authorization

Requirements Checklist:

  • □Photo identification
  • □Proof of relationship or authorization
  • □Information about the death
  • □Application fee

Examples:

  • • A family member who needs a death certificate for estate matters
  • • An executor who needs certificates for insurance claims

You must prove you're authorized to request the death certificate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Not providing proof of relationship

You must prove you're authorized to request the certificate (family member, executor, etc.)

⚠️ Missing information

Provide complete information about the death including date, place, and full name

⚠️ Incorrect payment

Check current fee amounts and ensure payment is correct

After You Submit

What Happens Next

  1. Your application will be reviewed
  2. Vital Statistics will verify the information
  3. Your death certificate will be processed
  4. Your certificate will be mailed to you

Check Your Status

Check status online

What to Keep

  • • Application confirmation
  • • Receipt of payment
  • • Copy of submitted documents
  • • All death certificate copies (you may need multiple)

Follow-Up Actions

  • □Wait for processing (4-6 weeks)
  • □Use certificates for estate, insurance, and legal matters
  • □Keep certificates safe
  • □Order additional copies if needed

Expected Timeline:

Processing takes 4-6 weeks. Your death certificate will be mailed to your address.

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