How to Get a Death Certificate in Zimbabwe

Obtaining a death certificate is a necessary legal step after a person has passed away. The document is crucial for family members to be able to administer the deceased's estate, claim insurance, and handle other legal matters.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

To register a death, a close relative or informant must present the following documents at the Registrar's office:

• Notice of Death: A certificate issued by a medical doctor who attended to the deceased or by a hospital where the death occurred. This confirms the cause of death.
• Deceased's National ID: The original ID card or passport of the person who has passed away.
• Informant's National ID: The original ID of the person who is registering the death.
• Burial Order (if available): The burial order is issued based on the Notice of Death and is required for burial or cremation.

Step 2: Visit the Registrar's Office

Go to the nearest District or Provincial Registrar General's office.

1. Submit Documents: Present all your documents to the registrar.
2. Provide Information: The registrar will ask for details about the deceased to complete the official death register.
3. Verification: The registrar will verify the deceased's details in the national database using their ID number.
4. Issuance of Certificate: Once the registration is complete, the official Death Certificate will be printed and issued to you. Review it carefully to ensure all details are correct.

Step 3: What if a Doctor is Not Present?

In cases where a death occurs at home and a doctor was not attending, the process is different:

1. Report to the Police: The death must be reported to the nearest police station.
2. Police Report: The police will investigate the circumstances of the death and, if no foul play is suspected, will issue a report.
3. Report to the Registrar: This police report, along with the deceased's ID and the informant's ID, is then taken to the Registrar's office to register the death.