Apply for a Death Certificate

A medical practitioner, nurse practitioner,  or coroner must complete a Medical Certificate of Death before a death is registered with Vital Statistics and a burial permit is issued. Once the death registration is received, processed and complete, you can apply to Vital Statistics for an official Certificate of Death.

Why do I need an official certificate of death?

A Certificate of Death is the official document that contains information taken from the death registration and printed on secure certificate stock. You will need this document to settle the affairs of the person who is deceased. It will also be necessary if you choose to remarry.

What do I need to apply for a death certificate?

You will need to be able to provide personal information about the deceased such as full name, date and place of birth and death as it appears on the registration of death.

If you are completing the online request for a death certificate, you must complete all required fields. When you select "I'm not a robot" and "Save," you will be asked for what type of document you wish to apply. Choose "Apply for a death Certificate."

To apply online, you must provide a valid credit card / debit card number and expiry date. If you are downloading and submitting the form to Vital Statistics, you may pay with:

• Valid credit card and some debit card payments
• Money order or cheque payable to Minister of Finance, or
• Cash or debit payments (in person only)

What is the fee for a death certificate?

For current fees and expenses go to Vital Statistics Service Fees.

How long will it take to complete this online form?

It will take about 20 minutes to complete both the identification section and the application for the service.

How long will it take to process my request?

Standard service is approx. 8 business days plus postage time. (Pending receiving registrations)  Rush service is processed in two business days at an additional cost. (Does not include mail time)

Please note: Cause of death does not automatically appear on death certificates issued in PEI. Contact Vital Statistics directly because this request involves specific information and eligibility requirements.