Registering the Death

When should I register a death?

By law, all deaths that occur 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.

What do you need in order to register a Death?

You will need the medical certificate cause of death issued by a doctor.

What does it cost to register a Death?

There is no cost for registering a death. The only cost will be for certified copies of the death certificate if required.

Where can a Death be registered?

With the Registrar at the office of Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages

If a medical certificate  cause of death is issued by the doctor :

1. the death can be registered in any Registration Council Office.

If the coroner is involved the death must be registered:

1. in the district in which the person died, or
2. in the district in which the person normally lived.

Who can register a Death?

Any relative of the deceased who has knowledge of the details required to be registered (this includes a relative by marriage).

1. A person present at the death.
2. A person taking care of the funeral arrangements.
3. The executor or administrator of the deceased's estate.
4. The occupier, at the time of death, of the premises in which the death occurred.
5. A person finding the body, or
6. A person taking charge of the body

What information will you need to give the Registrar?

1. Full name and surname of the deceased.
2. Date and place of death and usual address.
3. Marital status (single, married, widowed or divorced).
4. Date and place of birth.
5. Occupation of the deceased (if the deceased was a wife or widow, the full names and occupation of her husband (or deceased husband) will be required.
6. If the deceased was a child, the full names and occupation of the father will be required or where the parents are not married the full names and occupations of the mother will be required).
7. Maiden surname (if the deceased was a woman who had married).

What will the Registrar give you?

Once the registration is completed, the Registrar will issue the following forms:-?- GRO 21 which permits the burial or cremation to take place ?- Form 36 for production to the Social Security Offices regarding benefits.?

Please note: The GRO21 must be given to the funeral director before the funeral takes place