Registering a death

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In Scotland each death should be registered within eight days of its occurrence. You can register a death at ANY registration office in Scotland.

Who may give details to the registrar?
Normally it is the duty of a relative to register a death but if no relative is available, the death may be registered by either:

• any person present at the death
• the executor or legal representative of the person who died
• the person living in the premises where the death took place, or
• any other person who knows about the death.

What details do I need?
You need:

• the full name, occupation, address, date and country of birth of the person who has died
• the full name, former names and occupation of any husbands or wives
• the date of birth of any husband or wife who is still alive
• the full name and occupation of the parents of the person who has died including the mother's maiden surname, and
• the name and address of the GP of the person who has died.

Documents you will need

• a medical certificate (Form 11) from the doctor
• an NHS medical card
• a birth certificate of the person who has died, and
• a marriage certificate if this applies.

Documents you will receive

• a certificate of registration of death (Form 14) issued free of charge for the Funeral Director
• a certificate for the Department of Work and Pensions (Form 334 S1) issued free of charge
• an abbreviated death certificate issued free of charge, and
• a full death certificate, if required. A fee of £8.50 is payable for each certificate.

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