Death Registration

As it is a requirement to register a death, here is some guidance and commonly asked questions.

Who can Register?

  1. Close relative of deceased
  2. Relative in attendance during last illness
  3. A relative living in the district where death occurred
  4. A person present at death
  5. The person causing the disposal

Documents Required

  1. Medical Certificate of Death
  2. Medical Card if available or
  3. Birth Certificate & information regarding date of birth

Information required to Register

  1. Date and place of death
  2. Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
  3. Date and place of birth
  4. Occupation and home address
  5. If married, full name and occupation of surviving spouse

Certificates

  1. Disposal Certificate for the funeral director
  2. Social Security Certificate to be handed in at the D.S.S. Offices with any pension books
  3. Copies of Entry of Death for bank, insurance, solicitors

The Registrar will issue a green certificate which should be delivered to our offices as soon as possible. A white certificate of Registration will also be issued which authorises the claiming of social secuirty benefit if applicable. Copies of the death certificate - which may be needed for legal or Estate Duty purposes, for:

  • Life Insurance
  • Probate
  • Banks
  • Saving Certificates
  • Premium Bonds
  • other financial interests

can be obtained for a small charge if required.

How to obtain probate

What is Probate? When someone dies somebody has to deal with their
estate (the money, property and possessions left) by collecting all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate to those entitled.

H.M. Coroner Non-Inquest Cases

If the death has been reported to the Coroner (usually in the case of a sudden death) the procedure is somewhat different. The Coroner’s duty (and do not forget that the Coroner and his officers are working for you and in your interests) is to establish the cause of death or issue a certificate. In this case the Coroner or his officer attends to obtain particulars of the deceased, statements from relatives and to identify the body of the deceased. The
body should not be touched before the arrival of the Coroner’s officer. When a death of this nature occurs other than in hospital, the body will be removed to the Coroner’s mortuary. Should the cause of death be due to natural causes the Coroner’s office (sometimes via the Funeral Director) will inform the relatives when they can attend the Registrar’s office. Usually, the Coroner’s procedure takes time - perhaps three or four days - and on some occasions the funeral may have to be delayed.

Inquest Cases

When the Coroner decides that an inquest is necessary he will issue the appropriate form required for burial or cremation. Relatives then need to attend the Registrar’s office to register the death and obtain copy certificates if required.