Who may go and register a death

Regulations state that only certain people can register a death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Deaths in private residences, hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, etc.

• A relative of the deceased who was present at the time of death
• A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness
• A relative of the deceased residing in the same local district
• A person present at time of death
• The occupier, i.e. the Matron or Officer in Charge of a nursing home, provided they knew of the illness before death
• The person causing the disposal of the body, i.e. an executor, the solicitor or similar.

When you go to the Registrar you should take the following:

• The medical certificate of the cause of death
• The deceased’s medical card, if possible
• Any forms given to you by the death has been referred to the Coroner

You should tell the Registrar:

• The date and place of death
• The deceased’s last (usual) address
• The deceased’s first names and surname (and the maiden name if applicable)
• The deceased’s date and place of birth
• The deceased’s occupation and the name and occupation of husband (if applicable)
• Whether the deceased was getting a pension or allowance from public funds
• If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower

The registrar will give you

A certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the green form), unless the Coroner has given an order for Burial or a certificate for cremation. Whichever form you are given will be needed by the funeral director so that the funeral can held. A certificate of registration of Death – this is for Social Security purposes only. You will be able to purchase a Certified Copy of an Entry Certificate, which is needed for any pension claims, insurance policies or financial matters; normally one or two copies would be sufficient.