Overview
Registering the death of a person is a crucial legal process that documents the end of their life and ensures proper record-keeping for official purposes.
By registering a death, citizens can:
- Obtain an official death certificate, which serves as legal proof of the person’s passing. The death certificate is essential for settling various matters, such as closing accounts, transferring assets and claiming insurance benefits.
- Prevent potential fraud or identity theft by officially recording the person’s death and preventing misuse of their identity.
The death registration process involves providing the necessary details about the deceased and the details of their death. It is advisable to register a death promptly to avoid any delays or additional fees for late registration.
Various service options are offered to accommodate different timelines and needs.
Process
Who can register a death?
Who can register a death?Any person with an original Medical Certificate for Cause of Death issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness can register the death.
Required documents
Required documentsStandard – less than 1 year after occurrence date
- Medical Certificate for Cause of Death
- Deceased’s identification document
- Applicant’s identification document
*For Belizeans, only Social Security Cards and Passports are accepted. For Foreigners, only Passport and National ID are accepted. Driver’s license and Voter’s Card are not accepted.
Late registration: More than 1 year after the death occurred
- Medical Certificate for Cause of Death
- Deceased’s identification document
- Applicant’s identification document
- Two signed Declaration forms from witnesses
- Proof of burial
Some cases may be unique and require additional documentation than what is listed above. For any queries, please contact the VSU office.
Check the Services Overview page to learn more about the application process, service types, and more.
Fee Structure
Fee Structure| Service | Same-day Service Fee (BZD) | Next-day Service Fee (BZD) | Standard Service Fee (BZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard: Less than 1 year after the occurrence date | 30 | 15 | 4 |
| Late registration: More than 1 but less than 5 years after occurrence date) | Service type not available for late registration | 25 | |
| Late registration: More than 5 years after occurrence date) | Service type not available for late registration | 50 |
*Persons who died outside Belize are not eligible for a death certificate.
**An ID of the applicant (Passport or Social Security Card National ID is accepted for foreigners). Driver’s License and Voter’s Card are not accepted.
Service Forms
These are supporting documents that you may need when accessing services. No other versions of the forms will be accepted. These include: