Death Certificate

Short Form

The short form death certificate contains the following information:

• surname and given name(s)
  
• sex
  
• date of death
  
• age
  
• place of death
  
• date of registration
  
• registration number
  
• date of issue

Cost of certificate . . . $29.70

Long Form

The long form death certificate contains all the following information, if this information is contained on the death record. Older death records may not contain full information.

• surname and given name(s)
  
• sex
  
• date of death
  
• place of death
  
• date of birth
  
• age
  
• place of birth
  
• residence
  
• occupation
  
• marital status
  
• name of spouse
  
• name of father / parent
  
• name of mother / parent
  
• name of attending physician
  
• name of funeral director
  
• disposition
  
• place of disposition
  
• name of informant
  
• address of informant
  
• relationship to deceased
  
• date of registration
  
• registration number
  
• date of issue

Cost of certificate . . . $35.90

Application Forms

Forms for a certificate are available from the Vital Statistics Office by mail, telephone or in person. You may apply online or download an application form to request a certificate from the following links.

• Death Certificate Application [721 kb]
• Death Certificate online Application

French Names

If the name of the deceased contains any French characters or symbols, please ensure they are clearly displayed on the certificate application form.

How to Order a Certificate

In order to obtain a certificate you may contact us in person at our office, by mail, or you can drop off an application at any N.S. Registry of Motor Vehicle office or Access Nova Scotia office to be processed through the mail. You may also request a death certificate online.

Payment Method

Mail:

• Cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance
• Visa, Mastercard or American Express

Counter:

• Cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance
• Visa, Mastercard or American Express
• Debit Card
• Cash

Online:

• Visa, Mastercard or American Express
• Interac^® Online

Fax:

• Visa, Mastercard or American Express

DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL

Searches

All certificate prices include a three-year search. A three-year search may be requested without purchasing a certificate (confirmation of event only) for $5.61. The search fee for genealogy is $16.79 for the first-three year period and $11.23 for any three-year period thereafter.

Certificates are issued in accordance with information on file and cannot be returned for refund.