What is a death certificate?

A death certificate is an official document that serves to record the fact of a person's death. It typically includes vital information such as the deceased's name, date of birth, date and place of death, and often the cause of death, along with the signatures of medical personnel or officials validating the death. This document plays a critical role in legal and administrative processes, providing proof of death for settling estates, claiming life insurance, and facilitating the closure of accounts.

The other options, while related to aspects of death and posthumous arrangements, do not accurately define what a death certificate is. For instance, transferring property, burial plot ownership, and funeral service selections involve different types of documents and processes that are distinct from the function and purpose of a death certificate.