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How to Get a Death Certificate Copy in Sri Lanka

Verified · 1 Nov 2026Partly online

Apply at the Registrar Division of a Divisional Secretariat with form B63a. A certified copy costs Rs. 120 if you know the certificate number and registration date, or Rs. 250 if a search of records is needed. Records from 1960 to 2020 in the e-BMD database can be issued by any Divisional Secretariat, including through One Day Service. You can also order copies online at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk (opens in a new tab), which takes about 5 working days.

At a glance

Fee
Rs. 120
See all 2 fees
Time
Same day at a Divisional Secretariat, or about 5 working days online
Where
Registrar Division of a Divisional Secretariat
+ 2 more places
Online?
Partly online
Form
B63a

Do you need this?

When you need it

  • You need a certified copy of a death certificate, for example for a bank, insurance claim, EPF or a land matter.
  • You have lost your copy of a death certificate.

Who can apply

  • Copies are issued for deaths registered in Sri Lanka.
  • If the record is in the e-BMD database (certificates from 1 January 1960 to 31 December 2020), any Divisional Secretariat can issue it. Ask at the one closest to you whether the record is in the database. Otherwise, apply at the Divisional Secretariat for the place where the death occurred.
  • Sri Lankans living overseas can apply through the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in their country.
  • If no registration is found, you are told so on form B38.

Documents you need

Documents to bring

0 of 4 ready

  • Get it from the Registrar Division of any Divisional Secretariat, or download it (opens in a new tab).

  • Knowing these makes the copy cheaper (Rs. 120 instead of a search fee).

  • Pay at the Divisional Secretariat, or at the Bank of Ceylon Battaramulla branch to the Registrar General's account no. 7039827 and hand in the bank slip with the completed form at the Divisional Secretariat. Payments through ATMs or online are not accepted.

Only if…

Process at a glance

  1. Step 1
    Find the details you have

    The certificate number and registration date make it quicker and cheaper. Without them the office searches the records (up to two years) for Rs. 250.

  2. Step 2
    Apply at a Divisional Secretariat

    Go to the Registrar Division. If the record is in the e-BMD database (certificates from 1 January 1960 to 31 December 2020), any Divisional Secretariat can issue it, including through its One Day Service - you can check at the one closest to you whether the record is there. For other records, go to the Divisional Secretariat for the place where the death occurred.

  3. Step 3
    Collect or receive the copy

    If the death is registered, you get as many copies as you paid for. If you included a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the form and the payment receipt, the copy is posted to you. If the death was never registered, you are told so on form B38.

  4. Step 4
    Or order the copy online

    Apply at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk (opens in a new tab). If the record isn't in the e-BMD database, send the online application to the Divisional Secretariat where the death was originally registered.

  5. Step 5
    If you live overseas

    Check online whether the certificate is available, then get it through the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in your country.

  6. You're done

Step by step

  1. Step 01

    Find the details you have

    The certificate number and registration date make it quicker and cheaper. Without them the office searches the records (up to two years) for Rs. 250.

  2. Step 02

    Apply at a Divisional Secretariat

    Go to the Registrar Division. If the record is in the e-BMD database (certificates from 1 January 1960 to 31 December 2020), any Divisional Secretariat can issue it, including through its One Day Service - you can check at the one closest to you whether the record is there. For other records, go to the Divisional Secretariat for the place where the death occurred. Hand in the following documents.

    • The completed form B63a
    • The fee receipt - or pay at the counter
    • A stamped, self-addressed envelope, if you want the copy posted to you

  3. Step 03

    Collect or receive the copy

    If the death is registered, you get as many copies as you paid for. If you included a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the form and the payment receipt, the copy is posted to you. If the death was never registered, you are told so on form B38.

  4. Step 04

    Or order the copy online

    Apply at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk (opens in a new tab). If the record isn't in the e-BMD database, send the online application to the Divisional Secretariat where the death was originally registered.

    • Fill in the application with accurate details of the death certificate you need
    • A payment link is sent to your email and phone within 2 days - pay by Visa or MasterCard
    • Have the copy posted to your address, or collect it from the Registrar Division of the Divisional Secretariat

  5. Step 05

    If you live overseas

    Check online whether the certificate is available, then get it through the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in your country.

    • Apply at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk (opens in a new tab) and send the request to the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in your country
    • If the certificate is in the e-BMD database, you get an email telling you to visit the embassy or high commission
    • Pay at the embassy or high commission - there is no online payment for overseas applicants

Fees

Fees

Certified copy, when you know the certificate number and registration date
Rs. 120

Per copy.

Certified copy, when a search of records is needed (up to 2 years)
Rs. 250

Where to go

Forms

More detail

Contact the Registrar General's Department

  • Hotline: 1930
  • General lines: +94 11 2889488 / +94 11 2889489 / +94 11 2072017 / +94 11 2072018

Common problems

The Divisional Secretariat cannot find the record.
Records from 1960 to 2020 are in the e-BMD database. For older records, apply at the Divisional Secretariat for the place where the death occurred. If the death was never registered, you are told so on form B38. Then use the guide on registering a death.
There is a mistake in the death certificate.
A copy repeats the register. Use the guide on correcting a death certificate.
The death has not been registered yet.
Register the death first (see the guide on registering a death), then apply for certified copies.

FAQ

How much does a death certificate copy cost in Sri Lanka?
Rs. 120 per copy if you know the certificate number and registration date. If the office must search the records, it is Rs. 250.
Can I get a death certificate copy online?
Yes. Apply at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk (opens in a new tab) and pay by card when the payment link arrives. It takes about 5 working days.
Where do I get a copy of a death certificate?
From the Registrar Division of the Divisional Secretariat for the place where the death occurred. If the record is in the e-BMD database (1960 to 2020), any Divisional Secretariat can issue it.
Can I get a death certificate copy from abroad?
Yes. Check availability at online.ebmd.rgd.gov.lk and send the request to the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in your country. If the certificate is found, you are emailed to visit the embassy or high commission and pay there. Certificates are only issued on paper.

Official sources

Checked against these official pages1 Nov 2026

Independent, not official

HowToSriLanka.lk is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Sri Lanka.

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