Difference Between a Medical Death Certificate and a Death Certificate

The difference between a medical death certificate and a death certificate lies in their purpose: the medical death certificate is a medical document that confirms a person’s passing and its cause, while the death certificate is a legal document issued by the Civil Registry that records the death and enables administrative and legal procedures. Both are essential, but they serve different functions in the funeral and legal process.

What is the medical death certificate?

The medical death certificate is the foundational document that allows funeral homes to take the deceased into their care and proceed with the service. A doctor who verifies the passing must complete it and state the cause of death. If no professional is available, the Ministry of Health may authorize its issuance.

A key difference between a medical death certificate and a death certificate is that the medical certificate is issued after the medical examination of the body, while the death certificate is processed afterward at the Civil Registry.

In cases of violent death, the process involves the Police, the morgue and the Prosecutor’s Office before the corresponding medical document is issued.

What information does the medical certificate contain?

The medical death certificate includes basic information about the deceased and the circumstances of the passing, such as:

• Full name.
• ID number and home address.
• Place and date of death.
• Age and occupation.
• Medical cause of death.
• Name and signature of the certifying doctor.
• Place, date and time of issuance.

This document is required to begin any later procedure, including the death certificate and funeral services.

It can be requested online through the official website of the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) for ₡1,575, available every day at any time.

Requirements to request a medical death certificate

• The deceased must have been born in Costa Rica.
• The official cost of the procedure is ₡25.00.
• It does not need to be processed in person.

Steps to request a certificate

• Receive your certificate in physical form or request delivery by mail.
• Go to the offices of the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) or complete the procedure online.
• If you go in person in San José, first purchase the corresponding revenue stamps.
• Provide the required information: full name, ID number and place of death.

What is a death certificate?

The death certificate is a legal document issued by the Civil Registry or an authorized health professional. Unlike the medical certificate, it has legal validity and is used for procedures such as:

• Judicial proceedings.
• Insurance or pension claims.
• Inheritances.
• Closing bank accounts and cards.

In Costa Rica, to obtain the death certificate you must first process the medical death certificate, since it serves as proof to officially register the passing. See our full guide to the death certificate in Costa Rica.

What to do if you lose the medical certificate or death certificate?

If you misplace either document, you can request additional copies in person, by mail or online. The Civil Registry and the TSE issue duplicates with the same legal validity as the original. We recommend requesting several copies at the initial procedure, as they may be needed for different future matters.

Understanding the difference to act with clarity

Although often confused, the difference between a medical death certificate and a death certificate is fundamental:

• The medical certificate confirms the passing from a medical standpoint.
• The death certificate registers it legally for all administrative purposes.

Having both documents ensures the funeral and legal process proceeds without setbacks.

At La Piedad, we accompany families with empathy and guidance at every step. Learn about our funeral packages and pre-planning services, designed to bring peace and support during difficult times.