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If you have recently suffered a bereavement, you will need to register the death.

The registration process is very simple and no appointment is needed.

When should I register a death?

By law, all deaths occurring in Northern Ireland must be registered. Deaths should be registered before the funeral takes place, except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner. If the Coroner is involved, the registration will take place after the funeral. The registration office will phone to let you know when to register and this happens after two weeks or up to six months after the death depending on the circumstances. The Coroner can issue an interim death certificates in the meantime which can be used for any legal purposes.

Who can register a death?

The following people can register a death:

• any relative of the deceased who has knowledge of the details required
• a person who was present at the death
• a person who is taking care of the funeral arrangements
• the executor or administrator of the deceased's estate
• the governor, matron or chief officer of a public building where the death took place
• a person living in and responsible for a house, lodgings or apartments where the death occurred
• a person who has found the body
• a person taking charge of the body.

What information will I need to bring with me?
You will need to bring a medical certificate showing the cause of death with you for registration.

This is normally issued to relatives by a doctor who had treated the deceased within 28 days of the date of death.

If the deceased was not been seen by a doctor within that period, or if the death was not caused by natural illness, the case will be referred to the Coroner.

You will also have to fill in a death registration form.

What details are needed to register a death?

You will need the following details to register a death:

• full name and surname of the deceased
• date and place of death and the deceased's usual address
• marital status
• date and place of birth
• occupation of the deceased

If the deceased was a wife or widow, the full names and occupation of her husband (or deceased husband) are needed.
If the deceased was a child, the full names and occupation of the father are needed or, if the parents are not married, the full names and occupations of the child's mother are needed.

• maiden surname
• the deceased's medical card or National Insurance number are helpful but not essential.

Where can I register a death?
You have two options for registering a death:

• in the district in which the person died
• in the district in which the person lived.

What will the Registrar give me in return?
Once you have registered the death, you will be given the following documents:

• a GRO 21 form which allows a burial or cremation to take place
• Form 36 which can be given to Social Security offices regarding benefits.

Certified copies of the death certificate, which may be needed to deal with business matters and insurance claims, may be purchased from the Registrar at the time of registration.