What is the primary function of a death certificate?

The primary function of a death certificate is to serve as a legal document of the person's death. It provides official recognition of the death, which is essential for various legal processes and records. This document establishes the fact that an individual has passed away and is often required for settling estates, insurance claims, and issuing permits for burial or cremation.

While other answers touch on important aspects related to death certificates, such as burial rights and cause of death, these are secondary functions rather than the primary purpose. The death certificate itself primarily serves as a legal affirmation, a foundational step necessary for the various formalities that follow a person's death. This legal status ensures that it can be recognized by government agencies, health departments, and various institutions dealing with affairs following a death.