When a family member passes away in Delhi, surviving family members often need to obtain a Survival Certificate (officially called Surviving Member Certificate or Legal Heir Certificate) to access the deceased person’s assets, benefits, and properties. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Survival Certificate in Delhi, including eligibility, documents required, application process, fees, and processing time.
Quick Answer: What is a Survival Certificate?
A Survival Certificate (Surviving Member Certificate) is a legal document that identifies all surviving family members of a deceased person. It confirms who are the legal heirs and is used to transfer assets, claim insurance, pension benefits, bank accounts, and properties of the deceased person in Delhi.
What is a Surviving Member Certificate (SMC)?
The Surviving Member Certificate (SMC) is issued by the Revenue Department of Delhi Government. It lists all living family members who survived after the death of an individual. This certificate is essential for:
- Accessing deceased person’s bank accounts
- Claiming insurance policies and pension benefits
- Transferring property and assets
- Getting rations and government benefits continued
- Transferring mobile numbers, vehicle registration, and other documents
Who Can Apply for Survival Certificate in Delhi?
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be:
✓ An individual who is a citizen of India
✓ An individual who is a resident of Delhi
✓ A family member of the deceased person
✓ Living (surviving) family member
Who Can Apply?
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (son/daughter) of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Any family member living with the deceased
When Do You Need a Survival Certificate?
You need a Survival Certificate for:
| Purpose | Details |
| Bank Account Transfer | Access deceased person’s bank account |
| Insurance Claim | Claim life insurance or health insurance |
| Pension Benefits | Continue family pension of deceased |
| Property Transfer | Transfer ownership of house/land |
| Ration Card | Continue ration card benefits |
| Vehicle Transfer | Transfer vehicle registration |
| Mobile Number | Transfer mobile number ownership |
| Government Benefits | Continue any government benefits |
Documents Required for Survival Certificate in Delhi
The following documents are mandatory for applying:
1. Identity Proof of Applicant and All Surviving Family Members
(Any ONE is mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Ration Card with Photo
- Voter ID Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Any Govt. recognized document
2. Present Address Proof of Applicant
(Any ONE is mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Bank Passbook
- Telephone Bill (Landline/Postpaid)
- Voter ID Card
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill
- Gas Bill
- Driving License
- Registered Rent Agreement
- Water Bill
- Any Govt. recognized document
3. Permanent Address Proof of Applicant
(Any ONE is mandatory)
Same documents as Present Address Proof
4. Death Certificate of Deceased Person
- Mandatory document
- Must be original municipal death certificate
5. List of Surviving Members (If More Than 4)
- As per format in Annexure I
6. Self-Declaration Form
- Singed copy of self-declaration form
- Original declaration must be submitted to SDM/Tehsildar/CSC
7. Passport Size Photographs
- One colored photograph of applicant and all surviving family members
8. Photograph of Deceased Person
- Must be submitted by applicant or family member
- Required for online application (upload)
Additional Documents (Optional)
- Electricity bill
- Relationship proof of applicant
- Residence proof of deceased person
Important Document Submission Notes
For Online Application
- Self-attested copies of original documents must be uploaded in e-District application software
- Scanned copy of original Self-Declaration must be uploaded
- Photographs of deceased and all surviving members must be uploaded
For Physical Application
- Original documents must be produced at Citizen Service Centre (CSC)
- Physical verification may be necessary even for online applications
- Original Self-Declaration must be submitted to SDM/Tehsildar/CSC by hand, speedpost, or registered post along with Application/Acknowledgement number
How to Apply for Survival Certificate Online in Delhi: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit e-District Portal
- Go to edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
- This is the official government portal for Delhi services
Step 2: Register/Login
- Click “Register” if you’re a new user
- Enter your Name, Mobile Number, Email ID
- Create password
- If already registered, click “Login” with your credentials
Step 3: Select Service
- Navigate to “Apply for Services” section
- Select “Revenue Department”
- Choose “Surviving Member Certificate” from the list
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Complete the following details:
Personal Information
- Applicant’s Name
- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile Number (Aadhaar-linked)
- Email Address
- Address
Deceased Person Details
- Name of deceased person
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Relationship with applicant
Surviving Family Members
- List all surviving family members
- Their ages
- Their relationship with deceased
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents:
- Identity proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport)
- Address proof (Electricity bill/Bank passbook)
- Death certificate
- Self-declaration form (scanned)
- Photographs (applicant + all surviving members + deceased)
Step 6: Submit Application
- Review all entered information carefully
- Click “Submit” button
- You’ll receive Acknowledgement Number
Step 7: Submit Original Self-Declaration
- Original signed Self-Declaration must be submitted to: by Hand
- SDM Office (Sub-Divisional Magistrate)
- Tehsildar Office
Step 8: Track Application Status
- Visit e-District portal
- Click “View Application Status”
- Enter your Acknowledgement Number
- Check real-time status
Processing Time
- Standard Processing: 15-21 days.
- After Submission: Certificate issued within 10 days after document verification.
- Total Time: Approximately 20-25 days from application to receipt
How to Download Survival Certificate Online
After your application is approved:
Step 1: Visit e-District Portal
Step 2: Select “Print and Download Certificate”
- Click on “Print or Download Certificate” option.
Step 3: Select Department
- Choose “Department of Revenue”
Step 4: Select Service
- Choose “Surviving Member Certificate” option.
Step 5: Enter Details
- Enter your Application Number or Acknowledgement Number
- Enter captchas (required verification codes)
Step 6: Download PDF
- Click “Continue” button
- Your certificate will be generated as PDF
- Download and save
Important Tips for Survival Certificate Application
✅ Before Applying
- Verify all documents are self-attested
- Ensure photographs meet size specifications (5cm × 4.5cm)
- Check Aadhaar is linked with mobile number
- Keep original Death Certificate ready
✅ During Application
- Fill all details accurately
- Upload clear scanned copies of documents
- Submit signed Self-Declaration physically
- Double-check all surviving family members are listed
✅ After Application
- Keep Acknowledgement Number safe
- Track status regularly online
- Submit original Self-Declaration within 7 days
- Contact SDM office if delayed beyond 21 days
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
| Photos not meeting size requirements | Use 5cm × 4.5cm with white background |
| Missing death certificate | Must submit original municipal death certificate |
| Incomplete family member list | List ALL surviving family members |
| Unsigned self-declaration | Sign Self-Declaration form before submission |
| Wrong district office | Apply at jurisdictional SDM office |
| No self-attestation | Self-attest all document copies |
FAQs About Survival Certificate in Delhi
Q1: Is Survival Certificate and Legal Heir Certificate same?
Answer: Yes, they are the same document. Both terms refer to Surviving Member Certificate.[youtube]
Q2: Can I apply online for Survival Certificate in Delhi?
Answer: Yes, residents of Delhi can apply online through the e-District portal.[adityabirlacapital]
Q3: How long does it take to get Survival Certificate?
Answer: Approximately 15-21 days for processing.[youtube]
Q4: Is there any fee for Survival Certificate?
Answer: Yes, nominal fees of ₹80-₹150 may apply.[dmnorthwest.delhi.gov]
Q5: Can I download Survival Certificate online?
Answer: Yes, download from e-District portal after approval.[youtube]
Q6: Who can apply for Survival Certificate?
Answer: Any Indian citizen residing in Delhi who is a family member of the deceased.[dmnorthwest.delhi.gov]
Q7: What if more than 4 family members survive?
Answer: Submit list in Annexure I format.[dmnorthwest.delhi.gov]
Q8: Is Self-Declaration mandatory?
Answer: Yes, signed self-declaration must be submitted.[dmnorthwest.delhi.gov]
Official Resources
- e-District Portal: edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
- North West Delhi Office: DC Office Complex, Kanjhawala, PIN 110081[dmnorthwest.delhi.gov]
- South West Delhi Office: Tehsil/Collectorate Campus, PIN 110037[dmsouthwest.delhi.gov]
- Helpline: Contact your local SDM office
Final Thoughts
Getting a Survival Certificate (Surviving Member Certificate) in Delhi is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. The online application through e-District portal makes it convenient, though you must still submit the original Self-Declaration form physically.
Key reminders:
- ✅ Application is online-friendly via e-District portal
- ✅ Processing takes 15-21 days
- ✅ Original Self-Declaration must be submitted physically
- ✅ Death certificate is mandatory
- ✅ List all surviving family members
This certificate is crucial for accessing your deceased family member’s assets, benefits, and properties. Don’t skip this important legal step—apply for your Survival Certificate as soon as possible after the death to ensure smooth transfer of assets and continuity of benefits for your family.
Start your application today at edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in and secure your family’s legal rights.