About Us Attestation of Death Document/Carrying of Ashes

Attestation of Death Document/Carrying of Ashes

  • Currently WALK-IN services are SUSPENDED. Please send requisite document by mail along with all supporting documents and return shipping labels.   
  • The Consulate reserves the right to reject attestation of documents the contents of which are objectionable or contrary to the Rules. 
  • The Consulate does not attest any document issued by authorities in India. If any document issued by authorities in India (such as birth and death certificates, affidavits, diplomas, marriage certificate and educational certificates issued by authorities in India ) are required to be presented to authorities in USA, these should be apostilled in India. For details, please check the website “Legalization of Documents” at http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=8801

Applying In Person:

Supporting Document: Carry originals of all the supporting documents to be presented to the Consular Officer (photocopies of which are to be attached with the application).  In case you are not able to present the original documents at the counter bring notarized copy of documents being attached to the application.  Ensure that notarized copy is legible, otherwise Consulate may ask to see the original. However, the passport and the document (which is to be attested) should be presented in original.

The person applying for the Death Certificate has to submit his/her photo ID and, the application has to be signed by him/her giving full details, including address, phone number etc. Proof of relationship to the deceased is required. If the close relatives are in India, a POA duly obtained from them has to be submitted with the application.

Fee :   For Indian passport holder: Gratis (No Fee).
For US passport holder:      $ 40/- (if carrying ashes)
$ 60/-( if carrying mortal remains) 
If you want to receive the attested documents back through mail, either  send a trackable pre-paid return mailing envelope (USPS 'Express Mail' or UPS etc.)  or enclose a money order/cashier’s check for $ 20 (twenty) payable to Consulate General of India - San Francisco.

Fees should be paid through Money order or Cashiers’ cheque drawn in favor of the ‘Consulate General of India, San Francisco’. Cash, Personal Cheques, Credit Cards, Debit Cards or other banking instruments are not accepted.

Delivery of Documents (Pick-up Hours) :04.00 pm to 04.45 pm (Monday to Friday)

Applying by mail

Supporting Documents: Photocopy of all supporting documents shouldbe notarized and attached to the application. Do not send any original documents except the PASSPORTand the document to be attested.

The person applying for the Death Certificate has to submit his/her photo ID and, the application has to be signed by him/her giving full details, including address, phone number etc. Proof of relationship to the deceased is required. A POA duly obtained from all immediate relatives (father, mother, husband, wife), with their notarized photo IDs, conveying full authorization to the applicant to obtain Death Certificate and/or to send the coffin to India has to be submitted along with the application.

Fee :   For Indian passport holder: Gratis (No Fee).
For US passport holder:      $ 40/- (if carrying ashes)
$ 60/-( if carrying mortal remains) 
If you want to receive the attested documents back through mail, either  send a trackable pre-paid return mailing envelope (USPS 'Express Mail' or UPS etc.)  or enclose a money order/cashier’s check for $ 20 (twenty) payable to Consulate General of India - San Francisco.

Fees should be paid through Money order or Cashiers’ cheque drawn in favor of the ‘Consulate General of India, San Francisco’. Cash,Personal Cheques, Credit Cards, Debit Cards or other banking instruments are not accepted.

Please enclose a trackable pre-paid self-addressed return mailing envelope (USPS 'Express Mail' or UPS etc.,) (No Fedex) for dispatching the processed documents.

How to Apply:

  • Miscellaneous Services Form - Download the Miscellaneous Application form and complete the application form.
  • Attach the following documents with the application form.
  • Current passport (either Indian or US) in original and photocopy of the first five pages and last two pages of the Indian passport  and/or  photocopy of first two pages of US passport.
  • All the death documents to be attested (Original Death Certificate, embalming certificate from the mortuary, burial/transit  permit, all originals and copy.  No need to notarize.)   Ascertain with Airlines their documentary requirements and obtain these from the mortuary/funeral home.
  • In case the Consulate receives applications with incomplete documentation, the same would be sent back unprocessed in the return envelope sent by the applicant.