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Registering a death in Scotland and Northern Ireland
The deadline and the paperwork differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This page sets out each, using the official Scottish and Northern Ireland government pages.
Scotland
The deadline
Mygov.scot says any death in Scotland must be registered within 8 days of the death, where possible. If the death has been referred to the procurator fiscal, registration may take longer.
Who can register
Relatives, people who were present at the death, executors or solicitors, and anyone who lived with the person if they died at home. If no one else can, someone who knows the person's details and has the right documents may do so.
Where to register
You can use any registration office in Scotland. It does not have to be in the area where the person lived or died. Each council's website gives office details.
What you need
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). Mygov.scot is clear: the registrar cannot register the death without it.
- The doctor usually sends the certificate to the registrar, so find out which office has it.
- Useful extras: the person's birth and marriage certificates, NHS medical card, and proof of any pension or government payment.
Some certificates are randomly selected for review, which can delay registration by 1 to 3 working days. If a funeral has a deadline, ask about advance registration.
Cost
Mygov.scot says the certificate of registration and the abbreviated copy of the death entry are free.
Northern Ireland
The deadline
Nidirect says a death should be registered within 5 days so funeral arrangements can be made. The exception is a death referred to the coroner.
Who can register
Most deaths are registered by a relative. If none is available, someone present at the death, the person arranging the funeral, or the executor or administrator can register it. Other eligible people include the person in charge of the premises where the death occurred and a person who found or took charge of the body.
Where, and how
You can register at any district registration office in Northern Ireland. If the registrar contacts you, you can attend the office or complete the process by phone.
What you will be asked
- full name, usual address and occupation
- date and place of death and of birth
- marital status, and details of a spouse or civil partner if there was one
- maiden surname, if relevant
- the name and address of the GP
- any NI Civil Service or Teacher's pension details
The doctor or hospital sends the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the General Register Office for Northern Ireland, which passes it to the local office. The registrar then gives the funeral director a Certificate for Burial or Cremation.
Costs
Nidirect says registration itself is free. Death certificates cost £8.00 per copy when bought from the registrar at registration. Afterwards the first copy from the General Register Office costs £15.00 and additional copies bought at the same time £8.00 each. Prices change, so confirm on nidirect.
Coroner referrals
Some deaths go to the coroner, for example when the person was not seen by a doctor within 28 days before death or the cause is unclear, sudden or suspicious. Do not finalise funeral arrangements until the coroner consents. The registrar will contact a relative once the coroner's certificate arrives.
Tell Us Once in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Tell Us Once works for a person who lived in Scotland, England or Wales. It is not available if they lived in Northern Ireland. If you are dealing with a Northern Ireland estate you contact each organisation yourself. See Tell Us Once.
What next
After registering, see funerals and costs and probate and confirmation. For England and Wales, read registering a death in England and Wales.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and they change. Check the official pages linked at the bottom of each page, and ask a solicitor or Citizens Advice about your own situation. Last checked November 2026.