Which documents are needed when someone dies?
The death of someone close brings grief and pain, and with them practical tasks that have to be dealt with quickly. In the first hours and days many families feel overwhelmed: what matters now? Which papers are needed? And what can wait?
As an experienced funeral service, Ritual-Service24 guides you through this situation reliably and in an orderly way. In this article we set out the most important steps after a death, and above all the documents required for the death certificate.
The first steps after a death
What happens next depends a little on where the death occurred.
A death in hospital, or one recorded by the police
If someone dies in hospital, the staff first arrange the medical certification of death. Collection is usually possible only after one or two days, once the formalities are complete.
If the police recorded the death, for example where the cause is unclear, clearance from the public prosecutor is needed first. This too can mean a short wait.
In both cases we recommend contacting Ritual-Service24 early. We advise you fully, explain the next steps in plain language and take on the entire organisation, from collection to the funeral.
A death at home, in a care home or in a hospice
In a care home or hospice the staff normally take the first steps and arrange the medical examination.
If the death occurs at home, please first call the on-call medical service on 116 117, so that a doctor can formally certify the death and issue the certificate. Only then can we arrange the transport and everything that follows.
One thing to hold on to: you do not have to decide everything at once. Take the time you need. We will go through it step by step with you.
Checklist: which documents are needed?
For the death certificate the registry office accepts only original documents. These are returned to you once the record has been made, apart from the identity card and, where applicable, the health insurance card.
Which papers are required depends on the marital status of the deceased:
Single
- Identity card
- The original birth certificate
- A copy of the client’s ID card or passport
Married
- Identity card
- The original birth certificate
- The original marriage certificate
- A copy of the client’s ID card or passport
Divorced
- Identity card
- The original birth certificate
- The original marriage certificate
- The divorce decree with the certificate of finality
- A copy of the client’s ID card or passport
Widowed
- Identity card
- The original birth certificate
- The original marriage certificate
- The spouse’s death certificate
- A copy of the client’s ID card or passport
A note on foreign documents
If the deceased was born abroad, married abroad or divorced there, additional documents may be needed. The registry office often also requires certified translations made by sworn translators.
In international matters in particular — a transport abroad, for instance — Ritual-Service24 supports you fully in dealing with authorities and consulates.
What is already included in the basic price?
Our basic price already covers important formalities, among them:
- deregistration with the health insurer
- deregistration with the pension insurance
For this we only need:
- the health insurance card
- the pension insurance number
That way the administrative detail does not land on you as well.
What we are here for: orientation and relief
At an emotionally difficult time, having dependable support beside you makes the difference. Ritual-Service24 guides you discreetly, respectfully and in an orderly way through every step, from the first call to the funeral itself.
If you have questions or need support, we are reachable at any time.
You do not have to walk this road alone.
