Registering a death

A death should normally be registered within 5 days unless the Coroner is involved. This period can be extended in exceptional circumstances. The registration must take place within the district where the death occurred. If this is inconvenient for you, we will assist as it is often possible to arrange for it to be registered locally.

The following people can register the 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 (not the funeral director).

The process of registration is to telephone the Registrar to arrange a simple interview with him/her, who will require the following information:

• The full name of the person who has died
• Their full address
• Their date of birth
• Details of when and where the person died
• The occupation of the deceased
• The Medical Card if it is available
• Whether the deceased is to be buried or cremated
• Your details, including your relationship to the deceased.

If the deceased is a married woman, you will also need to give her maiden name and her husband’s full name and occupation.

The Registrar will then issue:

• A Green Form, to allow burial or cremation, which you must give to us as soon as possible
• A white certificate for you to fill in and send to the Social Security Office for the area where the person died
• A certified copy of the entry of deaths, known as the ‘Death Certificate’.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase additional copies of the Death Certificate at this time to assist with formalities involving insurances, bank accounts and for pension schemes etc.

You will need to contact the above office to arrange an appointment with the Registrar. You will normally be seen within 24 hours of your call.