Obtain a certificate of miscarriage

You can report a miscarriage to the registry office. If you wish, the registry office will issue you with a certificate of the miscarriage.

Detailed description

You can obtain a certificate of miscarriage from the registry office upon request. You are not obligated to report the miscarriage to the registry office.



It is considered a miscarriage if the child is born without any signs of life, even if the child weighed less than 500 grams, or even if the mother has reached the 24th week of pregnancy.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • She had a miscarriage.
  • You can only apply for the certificate if you gave birth to the child or would have had parental custody at the time of the child's live birth.

This applies if you, as parents, are married to each other at the time of birth, or if you submitted a joint declaration of parental responsibility before the birth. Otherwise, only the mother may apply for the certificate.

Documents required

  • If available, a certificate of miscarriage issued by a doctor, midwife or obstetrician.
  • Maternity record
  • Identity card, passport or other recognized substitute travel document of the parents
  • Birth certificates of the parents
  • If available, marriage certificate of the parents
  • If desired, details of the intended family name and first name of the child.

Please note

A certificate can also be issued for a miscarriage that occurred some time ago.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • You can apply for the certificate in person or in writing at the registry office.
  • If you wish to apply for the certificate in person, please make an appointment at the registry office by telephone or email.
  • Please bring the required documents with you to the appointment.
  • Based on the information provided, the registry office will accept the application and issue you the certificate.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

No

Legal basis

Section 31 Paragraph 2 of the Civil Status Ordinance (PStV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/pstv/__31.html

Links on the Internet

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Last updated: 12.01.2026