Guide
How to Obtain a French Death Certificate
Learn how to obtain an official French death certificate (Acte de Décès), who issues it, how many certified copies to request and why obtaining enough copies at the beginning of a French succession can save significant time later.
One of the first documents you’ll need following a death in France is the official French death certificate.
This document will be required throughout the succession process and will be requested by banks, insurance companies, pension providers, utility companies, notaires and many other organisations.
Fortunately, obtaining it is usually straightforward.
Start with the Funeral Director
Your first point of contact should be the local funeral director.
If you haven’t already, read our guide:
→ Working with Funeral Directors in France
Your funeral director will normally manage communication with the local authorities and advise you when the official death certificate is available.
Keeping communication through the funeral director wherever possible helps simplify the process and avoids unnecessary duplication of work.
As a general rule, it’s best to keep as few contact points as possible and rely on trusted local professionals to liaise with other organisations on your behalf.
Two Different Death Certificates
There are actually two documents involved.
Medical Certificate of Death (Certificat de Décès)
This is completed and signed by the doctor who certifies the death.
It confirms that the person has died and allows the funeral arrangements to begin.
In some situations you may receive a copy of this document early, which can help you begin informing organisations while waiting for the official civil death certificate.
Official Death Certificate (Acte de Décès)
The official civil death certificate is issued by the Mairie (Town Hall) where the death was registered.
It is signed by the registrar rather than the doctor and is the document most organisations will require during the succession.
You May Need to Provide Documents
Before the official death certificate can be issued, the Mairie may ask for documents confirming your loved one’s identity.
These can include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- National identity card (if applicable)
- Other identity documents
The funeral director will usually tell you what is required and, in many cases, submit the information on your behalf.
You’ll often need to provide the same documents to the funeral director as well.
Request Plenty of Certified Copies
One of the most valuable pieces of advice is to request at least 15–20 certified copies (expéditions) of the official death certificate.
The Mairie normally provides these free of charge.
You’ll be surprised how many organisations require an original certified copy, including:
- Banks
- Pension providers
- Insurance companies
- Investment providers
- Government departments
- Utility companies
- The French notaire
- Property organisations
Having enough copies from the beginning can save considerable time later.
Why Request So Many?
Unlike many UK services, obtaining additional French death certificates from abroad is not always straightforward.
Many French online public services require a French social security number or other forms of French digital identification to access their online systems.
As a result, UK families can find it difficult to request additional certified copies once they have returned home.
Requesting plenty of certified copies at the outset is therefore strongly recommended.
Delays Following Certain Deaths
Most death certificates are issued relatively quickly.
However, delays can occur if the death is subject to:
- A police investigation.
- A judicial investigation.
- An unexpected or suspicious death.
- Certain accidental deaths requiring additional enquiries.
In my own family’s case, the circumstances surrounding the death meant that additional investigations were required before the process could continue.
If this happens, your funeral director will explain the situation and keep you informed of any delays.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining the French death certificate is usually one of the first administrative steps following a bereavement.
Allow your funeral director to manage communication with the Mairie wherever possible, provide any identity documents promptly and request a generous number of certified copies before returning to the UK.
Those additional copies are free to obtain at the time and are likely to save you considerable effort throughout the remainder of the French succession process.
