By law all deaths occurring in Northern Ireland must be registered. A death should be registered as soon as possible to allow funeral arrangements to go ahead, but no later than five days from the date of occurrence except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner.

What Do You Need to Register a Death?

The person registering the death must go to the Registrar as soon as possible with a medical certificate of cause of death. This certificate is usually issued to the relatives by a doctor who had treated the deceased within twenty-eight days before the date of death. If the deceased had not been seen by a doctor within that period or where the death was not caused by natural illness the case would have to be referred to the Coroner.

Who Can Register a Death?

Any relative of the deceased who has knowledge of the details required to be registered
A person present at the death
A person 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 occurred
A person living in and responsible for a house, lodgings or apartments where the death occurred
A person finding the body
A person taking charge of the body

What Information does the Registrar need?

Death Registration Form which will have been given to you by your Undertaker
Full name and surname of the deceased
Date and place of death and usual address
Marital status (single, married, widowed or divorced)
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) will be required. 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 occupation of the mother will be required.
Maiden surname (if the deceased was a woman who had married)
The Medical Certificate of cause of death
The name and address of the deceased's GP

Where Can the Death be Registered?

The death can be registered at any Registration office in Northern Ireland (providing the death occured in NI)

What Will the Registrar Give You?

Once the registration is completed, the Registrar will issue the following forms:-

GRO21 permits the burial or cremation to take place
Form 36 is for production to the Social Security Offices regarding benefits.
Certified copies of the Death Certificate, which may be needed to claim insurance, deal with business matters etc.

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. These can be purchased at the time of registration for £8.00 per certificate. To obtain certificate(s) after the date of registration will cost £14.00 per certificate.