A death certificate is an official document that confirms a person's death. It typically includes important details such as the deceased's name, date of birth, date of death, and the cause of death. This document is usually issued by a government authority, such as a local health department or vital records office, and is essential for legal and administrative purposes. The death certificate serves various functions, including settling estates, claiming life insurance, and arranging funeral services. It is often required for legal processes and can be requested by family members or authorized representatives of the deceased.