Death Certificate in Pakistan – Process, Documents & Fees (2026 Guide)

Death certificate process in Pakistan 2026 showing required documents and official fees

This guide explains how to get a death certificate registered, which documents are required, what fees apply, and how to avoid mistakes that cause delays—especially for NADRA record updates, inheritance, pension, bank matters, and visas.

1. What Is a Death Certificate?

A Death Certificate is an official legal document that confirms:

  • A person’s death

  • Date and place of death

  • Cause of death (basic record)

  • Identity of the deceased

In Pakistan, the death certificate is:

  • Registered by Union Council / Municipal Authority

  • Updated in NADRA records

  • Used as legal proof for all official matters

👉 Without a death certificate, you cannot:

  • Cancel CNIC of deceased

  • Claim inheritance

  • Transfer property

  • Process pension or bank accounts

  • Update family records (FRC)

2. Who Can Apply for a Death Certificate?

A death certificate can be applied by:

✔ Son or daughter
✔ Wife or husband
✔ Father or mother
✔ Brother or sister
✔ Legal heir
✔ Authorized representative (with authority letter)

📌 Any close blood relative can apply.

3. Where Is Death Certificate Issued in Pakistan?

There are two main stages:

1️⃣ Union Council (UC) / Local Government

  • First and mandatory registration

  • Issues official death certificate

2️⃣ NADRA (Death Registration)

  • Cancels CNIC

  • Updates family records (FRC)

  • Required for banks, pensions, inheritance

⚠️ UC registration is compulsory before NADRA update

4. Documents Required for Death Certificate

A. Documents of Deceased Person

You need:

  1. Original CNIC of Deceased

    • If available

  2. CNIC Copy

  3. Hospital Death Slip / Medical Certificate

    • If death occurred in hospital

    • OR burial confirmation (if home death)

📌 If CNIC is lost, affidavit may be required.

B. Documents of Applicant (Relative)

  1. Applicant’s CNIC (Original + Copy)

  2. Proof of Relationship

    • Family Registration Certificate (FRC) OR

    • Nikah Nama / B-Form (if applicable)

C. Additional Documents (If Required)

  • Affidavit (for late registration)

  • Police report (in accidental/unusual death)

  • Witness CNICs (some UCs require)

5. Step-by-Step Process to Get Death Certificate (Union Council)

Step 1: Visit Relevant Union Council

Go to the Union Council where:

  • Death occurred
    OR

  • Deceased was a registered resident

Step 2: Get Death Registration Form

  • Collect form from UC office

  • Fill carefully:

    • Deceased’s name

    • CNIC number

    • Date & place of death

    • Cause of death

    • Applicant’s details

⚠️ Spelling must match NADRA record

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Attach:

  • CNIC copy of deceased

  • Applicant CNIC copy

  • Hospital death slip or affidavit

  • Relationship proof

Step 4: Verification by Union Council

UC will:

  • Verify documents

  • Confirm death details

  • May conduct local verification

📌 Late registrations take longer.

Step 5: Issuance of Death Certificate

After approval:

  • UC issues official death certificate

  • Usually in Urdu

⏱ Processing time:

  • Normal cases: 3–7 working days

  • Late cases: 2–4 weeks

6. How to Update Death Record in NADRA

After UC certificate, NADRA update is mandatory.

Step-by-Step NADRA Process:

  1. Visit NADRA Registration Center

  2. Bring:

    • Original death certificate

    • Deceased CNIC

    • Applicant CNIC

  3. Biometric verification of applicant

  4. NADRA:

    • Cancels CNIC of deceased

    • Updates family records (FRC)

✔ NADRA record updated successfully

7. Online Method (Is It Available?)

Union Council:

❌ Mostly offline only

NADRA:

✔ Partial online services:

  • Appointment booking

  • Tracking status

📌 Physical visit is required for verification.

8. Fees for Death Certificate in Pakistan

Union Council Fees:

  • Normal registration: Usually free or minimal (Rs. 100–500)

  • Late registration: Additional charges may apply

NADRA:

  • CNIC cancellation: Usually free

  • FRC update: Official NADRA fee applies

⚠️ Fees vary by city and UC.

9. Late Death Registration (After Long Delay)

If death was not registered on time:

Additional requirements may include:

  • Detailed affidavit

  • Witness statements

  • Local verification

  • Approval from UC secretary

📌 Late cases are allowed but take more time.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

❌ Delaying death registration
❌ Wrong CNIC number
❌ Name spelling mismatch
❌ Losing hospital slip
❌ Not updating NADRA
❌ Using agents
❌ Submitting fake documents

⚠️ Incorrect information can cause legal problems later.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is death certificate mandatory?

Yes. It is legally required for all official matters.

Q2: How soon should death be registered?

Ideally within 7 days of death.

Q3: Can death be registered without hospital slip?

Yes, with affidavit and verification.

Q4: How long does NADRA update take?

Usually same day or few days.

Q5: Can someone else apply on my behalf?

Yes, with authority letter and CNIC.

Q6: Is English death certificate available?

Some UCs issue English version on request.

12. Conclusion

A Death Certificate is a critical legal document in Pakistan. Proper and timely registration helps families avoid serious problems in inheritance, banking, pensions, and legal records.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Register death at Union Council first
✔ Update NADRA record immediately
✔ Keep multiple copies safe
✔ Verify all spellings carefully
✔ Avoid agents

If you follow this step-by-step guide, you can successfully obtain and register a death certificate without confusion or delays.

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