The Cemetery Title Issuance and Replacement at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPAS) is the procedure for obtaining a new title evidencing ownership of a grave, mausoleum or niche in state-administered cemeteries: Cementerio General, Las Tapias, La Villa de Guadalupe and La Verbena, all in Guatemala City. Typical reasons are loss, physical deterioration of the original, theft, or lack of space on the original document.

Quick summary: Procedure at the National Cemetery (MSPAS). Cost: Q150. Time: 20 days. In-person modality. Result: new property title replacing the prior one while preserving age and rights.

Information verified May 2026 based on Decreto 2096 (Ubico), MSPAS Acuerdo Ministerial 125-2016 and the tariff under Acuerdo Gubernativo 74-2002.

When to Request Issuance or Replacement

The procedure applies in four main scenarios:

  1. Loss of original title — physical document does not appear after a reasonable search.
  2. Deterioration — title got wet, torn, or became illegible.
  3. Theft — document was stolen along with other belongings; a Public Ministry report is recommended for backup.
  4. Lack of space — original title can no longer accept further annotations (transfers, new co-owners, modifications).

It also applies after a succession when heirs need a new title in their names, or when a legal entity acquires rights previously registered to an individual.

Cemeteries Covered by This Procedure

CemeteryLocationNotes
Cementerio GeneralZone 3, Guatemala CityOldest and largest
Cementerio Las TapiasZone 17, Guatemala CityHistorical interest
Cementerio La Villa de GuadalupeZone 6, Guatemala CityTraditional
Cementerio La VerbenaZone 7, Guatemala CityMSPAS-administered

Private cemeteries (Las Flores, Senorial, Camposanto, Memorial) are not governed by this procedure — each has its own titles department.

Requirements

Per official information published on tramites.gob.gt:

  1. DPI photocopy of each current owner or co-owner. If any have died, replace with ORIGINAL Death Certificate from RENAP, valid.
  2. Ownership document of the acquired immovable — usually the literal certification from the Property Title Book issued by the Titles and Transfers Department of the National Cemetery.
  3. Q150 payment receipt for title issuance or replacement.
  4. Photocopy of current-year ornato and urbanization receipt (proves the plot is current with administrative payments).

Tip: Submit the file in a natural-color manila folder with hook, keeping the original file together to avoid internal misplacement during processing.

Additional documents by case

  • Multiple co-owners: DPI of each, or death certificate where applicable.
  • Open succession: declaration of heirs or open testament with judicial adjudication order.
  • Legal entity: commercial patent or current legal representative appointment.
  • Theft: report filed at the Public Ministry (MP) or police authority.

Steps of the Procedure

Step 1 — Request the literal certification

Go to the Titles and Transfers Department of the National Cemetery and request the literal certification of the plot. It is issued at the same office and forms the base of the file.

Step 2 — Pay current-year ornato and urbanization

If you have pending ornato and urbanization payments, settle them. The procedure does not advance until you are current. Keep the current-year receipt.

Step 3 — Pay the issuance/replacement fee

Make the Q150 payment at the cashier indicated by the administration. Keep the original receipt.

Step 4 — Gather DPIs or death certificates

Collect current DPIs of present owners. If any are deceased, obtain the ORIGINAL Death Certificate at RENAP — original, not photocopy.

Step 5 — Compile the file

Place all documents in a natural-color manila folder with hook, in this order: literal certification, DPIs / death certificates, Q150 receipt, current-year ornato receipt.

Step 6 — File the file

Submit to the Titles and Transfers Department. You will receive a receipt and file number.

Step 7 — Technical inspection if applicable

For cases involving physical modifications or plot disputes, a Construction Inspector technical opinion is requested. This stage can extend the timeframe.

Step 8 — Advisor review

A department advisor reviews the documentation. If observations arise, you’ll be notified to address them.

Step 9 — Pick up the new title

After 20 days, go in person with your DPI to retrieve the new property title. The previous one (if you have it) is formally annulled.

Cost & Time

ItemAmount
Title issuance or replacementQ150
Literal certificationQ25-Q75 (by pages)
RENAP death certificateQ15
Ornato and urbanization (yearly)Varies by cemetery
Official timeframe20 days

How to Apply: Practical Recommendations

  1. Before starting: Verify at the Titles Department that the plot exists, is current with payments, and that title data matches the applicant’s data.
  2. Damaged original: Bring it even if torn — the department recovers it and annuls it when issuing the new one.
  3. Pending succession: If original owners died and there is no heir declaration, direct replacement is not possible. First resolve the succession in the Judiciary.
  4. Multiple co-owners: All must sign the application or present a notarized special power of attorney designating the signer.
  5. Diaspora: If you live in the USA and are an owner, you can authorize someone via a notarized special power at consulate to file the replacement on your behalf.
  6. Keep the new title in a safe place and make at least one digital copy — the next replacement is another Q150 and another 20 days.

Keeping a family plot title current avoids disputes during difficult moments. Preventive replacement — before urgency strikes after a death — is always better than reactive replacement.