How to Get a Death Certificate in Pakistan
Obtaining a computerized death certificate is a critical administrative step in Pakistan. It is required for inheritance claims, closing bank accounts, and updating official family records. To simplify this process, the Government of Pakistan and NADRA have developed a streamlined system to ensure transparency and accuracy.
1. Initial Notification and Documentation
The process begins at the local level immediately after the death occurs. You must obtain formal proof of death depending on the place of death.
Hospital Death
If the death occurs in a hospital:
- The hospital administration will issue a Death Notification Slip.
- This document serves as the primary proof for further processing.
Home Death
If the death occurs at home:
- Obtain a graveyard (Qabristan) slip, or
- Get verification from the local Union Council member or Nambardar.
2. Registration at the Union Council (Local Government)
After obtaining proof, the next step is registering the death with the local authority.
Where to Register
- Visit your nearest:
- Union Council (UC)
- Municipal Committee
- Cantonment Board
- Registration is typically done based on the deceased’s permanent or temporary address.
Time Limit
- Death must be reported within 15 to 60 days (varies by province).
Required Documents
- Original CNIC of the deceased (will be cancelled)
- Copy of the applicant’s CNIC
- Death notification (hospital slip or graveyard verification)
- Completed manual registration form (provided at UC)
3. Verification and Processing
Once documents are submitted:
offichal website ; Official NADRA Portal,
- The Secretary of the Union Council verifies all information.
- After verification, details are entered into the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS).
- This system is directly linked with NADRA’s central database to ensure accurate record-keeping.
4. Obtaining the NADRA Computerized Death Certificate
After successful registration, you can apply for the official certificate.
Key Steps
- Pay the prescribed processing fee at the UC or NADRA desk.
- The certificate is printed on secure NADRA paper.
- It includes a QR code for digital verification.
Processing Time
- Typically issued within 3–7 working days.
Summary of Requirements and Authorities
| Process Phase | Key Requirements | Concerned Office |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Reporting | Hospital Slip / Graveyard Receipt | Hospital / Union Council |
| Data Entry | Deceased’s CNIC & Applicant’s CNIC | Union Council / Town Office |
| Final Issuance | Fee Payment & Verification | NADRA / Local Government |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the time limit for registering a death?
Ideally, a death should be registered within 60 days. Delayed registration (after one year) may require:
- Court order, or
- Affidavit + additional late fee
Q2: Can I apply for a death certificate online?
- Initial reporting must be done physically at the Union Council.
- Some tracking services are available via the NADRA portal.
Q3: What if the deceased’s CNIC is lost?
If the CNIC is missing:
- Provide the CNIC number, or
- Submit a copy of the Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
This allows NADRA to retrieve records from its database.
