Registering a death

When to register the death

In most cases, you will need to register the death within five days and it is best to visit the Register Office in the area in which the person died. This can help avoid delays getting the necessary documents.

If the Coroner is involved you will be advised when to register the death.

We can advise you on the procedure for registering a death.  Below is a guide that can help, but please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Who can register the death

The following people can register a death:

• Any relative of the person who has died
• Any person present at the death
• A person who lives in the house where the person died
• The person arranging the funeral (this cannot be a Funeral Director).

A simple interview with the Registrar to register the death is carried out at the Register Office.

At the Registrar’s Office:

You should take with you the Medical Certificate issued by the doctor showing the cause of death and the deceased’s Medical Card.  You will also require the following information about the deceased:

• Full name
• Marital Status
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Occupation
• Maiden Name (if female and married)
• Spouse’s Name
• Spouse’s Date of Birth
• Spouse’s Occupation

The registrar will issue you with:

1. A Certificate of Registration of Death, which you should fill in and send to the social security office for the area where the person died.
2. A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as a green form), which you should give to your funeral director as soon as possible
3. Certified copies of the entry of death can also be issued by The Registrar, you will need these for official purposes such as Insurers, closing Bank Accounts and Pension Schemes etc.

(Please be aware a charge is made by The Registrar for the certified copies)