If someone dies at home or elsewhere, first determine whether it’s a natural or unnatural death: in cases of accidents, unknown causes, or deaths discovered only after a long period of solitude, call the police immediately and leave the body and scene untouched

Cost: No expense at all — just one phone call is needed.
In plain terms: For deaths caused by accidents, of unknown origin, or those found only after a long time alone, only the police can issue a death certificate. If the scene has been disturbed, it becomes difficult to clarify what happened and to obtain a certificate. Without this document, cremation, household registration cancellation, and insurance claims all become impossible. When in doubt, dial 110 right away. Once police arrive and conduct their investigation, they will issue the certificate just the same.
Benefit: Article 8, Paragraph 2 of the Regulations on Household Registration states: “In cases where a citizen dies from an accident or the cause of death is unknown, the household head or the person who discovers the body must promptly report it to the local police station or township government.” This means that in cases of accidents or unknown circumstances, the household head or discoverer must inform authorities immediately. Article 23 of the Regulations on Funeral Services adds: “For natural deaths, medical institutions must promptly issue death certificates. For unnatural deaths handled by police without prior medical treatment, the police issue the certificate.” In other words, natural deaths are certified by treating medical facilities; unnatural deaths handled by police are certified by them. Only police can issue certificates for unnatural deaths, especially when the scene has been altered. Obtaining this certificate is essential for cremation, household registration cancellation, and insurance claims.
Evidence grade: A
Sources:全国人大常委会 (1958). 中华人民共和国户口登记条例（第八条）. http://www.gd.gov.cn/zwgk/wjk/zcfgk/content/mpost_2531969.html（广东省人民政府门户网站刊登）；国务院 (2026). 殡葬管理条例（国务院令第 824 号，自 2026 年 3 月 30 日起施行，第二十三条）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202601/content_7054169.htm
Notes: Deaths occurring after a prolonged illness or at home at the end of life are considered natural. In such cases, a certificate can be obtained from the treating medical institution, or from a local community health center or township hospital. As noted in Item 2 (Death Certificates), only the institution providing treatment may issue the certificate. When it is unclear which category applies, treat it as an unnatural death and call 110 first. Police investigations will still allow a certificate to be issued. Conversely, if you clean up the scene before calling police, no one can help you. Do not move the body, wash or change its clothes, or remove medicine bottles or notes.