When a loved one passes away, the administrative procedures are often a source of stress and confusion. Among the first important papers to obtain, the act of death is often mentioned without its role being fully understood. What is an act of death? How do you get it? Understanding this can save you headaches and help you better follow the steps to follow in the event of a death.
Key takeaways
- The act of death is an official record that is essential for legal procedures.
- It is distinct from both the attestation of death and the death certificate.
- The request can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
- Processing times vary depending on the method selected.
What is an act of death used for?
The act of death is an official proof of death issued by the Directeur de l'état civil of Quebec. It can be compared to an act of marriage or an act of birth. As with these official records, in Quebec the act of death is entered in the civil status register.
After you make the request, you will receive either a copy of an act or a certificate confirming the act of death. This document allows you to complete several of the steps that follow in the coming weeks and months:
- Close bank accounts and open an estate account.
- File insurance claims, including for a life insurance payout.
- Conduct a will search, including in the event of death without a will in Quebec.
- Execute the will and settle the estate.
- Cancel cards and permits such as the social insurance number card, driver's licence, passport, and more.
The death must be recorded in the civil status register to be officially recognized.
Attestation, certificate, or act? The clear differences
In Quebec, several documents relate to a death, and it is normal to be unsure about them. Even if the terms are similar, there is a difference between an attestation of death, an act of death, and a death certificate.
The attestation of death is the first document issued. It is completed by a physician, a nurse, or a coroner. It is a medical confirmation that the person has died.
Once this attestation is prepared, you must, with the help of the funeral home, produce a declaration of death. This then allows a request to be sent to the Directeur de l'état civil.
At that point, the act of death, a legal document, is prepared. The Directeur de l'état civil then records the act in the civil status register, just like acts of birth or marriage.
What is the death certificate? It is also issued by the Directeur de l'état civil. It contains the key information needed to officially attest to the death. This is the document you will need when handling the estate, as well as cancelling programs such as health insurance or automobile insurance.
When making your request, it is also possible to request a copy of an act of death, which is a complete reproduction of the act.
Who can request an act of death and how?
The Directeur de l'état civil determines who can request a certificate or a copy of an act. Most often, it is an immediate family member, the spouse or civil union spouse, or the funeral services director who makes the request. In some cases, it may be another family member or a notary.
How do you request an act of death? You can proceed online, by mail, or in person.
Online request step by step
You can submit your request online from the Directeur de l'état civil website using the DEClic! service. Request for a certificate and a copy of an act.
This service is accessed through the Government Authentication Service, which replaces clicSéQUR . If you do not yet have an account, you will need to create one first.
You will also need a valid credit card to complete the online request.
Request by mail or in person
In some cases, requesting by mail or in person is preferable or even required. This applies if you must attach a document or if you do not have a valid credit card, for example.
- By mail: send the form Request for a death certificate and copy of an act to the Directeur de l'état civil.
- In person: go to one of the Services Québec offices.
Processing times and fees: how long to receive it?
Processing times vary by request method and period. The normal processing time is 10 business days from the registration of the event in the register. This registration may take more or less time, depending on the number or complexity of requests.
If you need your document quickly, you can choose expedited processing within 3 business days, with additional fees.
Here are the fees charged, depending on the transmission method and the cost:
| Processing time | Online | In person/paper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal processing | Certificate | $37.75 | $54.00 |
| Act (copy) | $45.75 | $63.00 | |
| Expedited processing | Certificate | $73.50 | $80.50 |
| Act (copy) | $73.50 | $80.50 | |
FAQ: frequently asked questions
In short, understanding the definition of an act of death in Quebec helps you navigate the initial steps more easily. For any other clarification or guidance, you can count on the attentive support and professionalism of the Yves Légaré team.
What is the difference between the death certificate and the copy of an act of death?
The certificate is a shorter format of the act of death, containing the information needed for most procedures.
Who completes the declaration of death?
Generally, it is completed by a close family member or the spouse, with help from the funeral home.
How do I obtain the act of death if my loved one died outside Quebec?
Instead of the declaration of death, you must submit an Application for Insertion of an Act of Civil Status Made Outside Québec in the Québec Register of Civil Status. You can also repatriate the deceased by contacting the funeral home if the person is in Canada.
How long does it take to obtain the certificate or the copy of an act?
Processing times can be 10 business days, or 3 business days with expedited processing. Additional time should be expected for registering the death in the register.
