Death Certificate: what It Is, when you need It, and how to request one online

The death certificate is an essential document in the event of death, used to officially certify the event and to initiate all subsequent administrative and legal procedures, such as the declaration of succession. In this guide, we explore the characteristics of the certificate, the cases in which it is required, and how to obtain it online quickly and without having to visit a branch, thanks to the services of the Agenzia delle Successioni.

Difference between certificate, extract, and full copy of the death certificate

The death of a family member is always a delicate moment, which nevertheless requires the obligation to complete certain bureaucratic formalities. It is often necessary to submit specific documentation to officially communicate a death, to block benefits or economic advantages, or to initiate an inheritance procedure.

The documents issued by the Municipality are not all the same. The death certificate is a civil status document that certifies the death, reporting name, surname, date, and place of death. It is the most requested document to initiate inheritance procedures.

The death certificate extract contains the same information, but may also include additional data such as time of death, place of birth, residence, and marital status of the deceased. It is requested in place of the certificate when greater detail is required.

The full copy of the death certificate is a certified and complete reproduction of the original document, drawn up by the Civil Status Officer. It includes all available information, including any additional notes, such as the parents' names. It is required in more complex proceedings, particularly in judicial or notarial settings.

It should be remembered that for very old documents, such as those dating back to the 19th century, issuance may take longer, even up to six months, at the discretion of the Municipality.

What is a death certificate for?

A death certificate is required in numerous situations. In the context of inheritance, it represents one of the documents for the inheritance declaration that heirs must submit to the Revenue Agency within twelve months of death.

This document is also required for the management of household utilities registered in the deceased's name, such as electricity, gas, water, telephone, or internet, in order to cancel or take over contracts. The same applies to the interruption of INPS pension payments or the request for a survivor's pension.

Finally, in the workplace, the bereavement certificate is presented by the employee to their employer to take advantage of paid leave in the days immediately following the death of a relative.

How to obtain a death certificate online

Requesting a death certificate online is now possible through the Agenzia delle Successioni, avoiding waiting at public counters and managing everything remotely. The service allows you to receive the document directly via email, with full legal validity.

To start the procedure, simply provide the deceased's personal information, specifically name, surname, date and place of birth and death. If requesting a full copy, it is also necessary to attach a identity document of the applicant and a signed authorization for collection by one of our representatives.

The service is available throughout Italy and also allows you to simultaneously request other documents useful for succession, such as family status, inheritance certificate, and land registry records. Unlike other registry certificates, the death certificate is valid indefinitely, so it can be used even long after it is issued.

Request your death certificate easily and securely

The Agenzia delle Successioni offers a comprehensive service for requesting and issuing death certificates, guaranteeing rapid turnaround times, assistance at every stage, and full compliance with current legislation. You can make the request online and receive the document ready to use for any type of inheritance procedure or other death-related formalities.