Registering a death
A death must be registered by law in the district in which it has occurred and under normal circumstances the doctor’s certificate stating the cause of death should be taken to the Registrar’s office with, where possible the deceased’s medical card and birth certificate.
The procedure of registering is a simple question and answer interview between the Registrar and the person who is to register (The Informant). The following information is required by the registrar:
- The date and place of birth and death
- The full name of the deceased
- The home address of the deceased
- The marital status of the deceased
- The occupation (if any) of the deceased
- If the deceased is female, her maiden name and her husband’s full name and occupation.
i) Married at date of death and date of birth of the surviving partner
ii) In receipt of a Service Pension the Registrar will require the pension book.
The Registrar will issue a Green Certificate for burial or cremation which should be handed to the funeral director as soon as possible.
Copies of the Entry of Death (Death Certificates) may be obtained from the Registrar on payment of the appropriate fee. These copies will be needed for the following:
- Probate and letters of administration
- Bank and building society accounts
- Insurance companies who have issued policies covering the deceased (including private works’ pensions)
- Dealing with any stocks and shares owned by the deceased
H.M Coroner
In certain cases a death is reported to H.M. Coroner by a doctor or by the Police. The Coroner’s duty is to establish the cause of death when a doctor is unable to certify. If this is the case you should be kept informed of the situation by the Coroner’s Office and will be informed when you will be able to go to the Registrar.
If the wish is for cremation no green certificate is issued by the Registrar as we receive a form direct from the Coroner, but you must still attend to register the death and will be advised when this can be done.
Inquest cases
When the coroner decides that an inquest is necessary he will issue forms as required for burial or cremation, and will register the death. Relatives will then only need to attend at the Registrar if requiring copies of the Death Certificates.