Register a death

Before you start

You must register a death within 8 days.

If the death was in Scotland, you can register the death at any registration office in Scotland.

Who can register a death?

You can register a death if you:

• are a relative to the person who has died
• were present when the person died
• are an executor or solicitor of the person who has died
• lived with the person who died, if they died at home

If you're none of the above, but no one else can register the death, you can register the death as long as you:

• know the details of the person who has died
• have the right documents

How to register

Contact the Registrars team

What happens next

Death registrations now take place remotely by telephone

Following the initial contact telephone call, the registrar will call you back to complete the death registration by telephone.  Certificates will be posted first class mail or can be collected by arrangement

Documents we'll give you

• Abbreviated death certificate
• Certificate of registration of death (Form 14) which allows the funeral to take place

There's no cost for these documents.