Registering the death

After the doctor or hospital has issued the medical certificate, the informant must register the death at the registry office. This should be done in the district where the deceased died, but if this is not possible you may go to your local registrar. This could however delay arrangements as they have to forward the declaration to the registrar’s office where the death occurred. At some registrars you will need to book an appointment, you will find phone numbers and addresses at the back of this booklet.

What you need to take with you

• • The medical certificate
• • Deceased’s medical card (if available)
• • Birth and marriage certificate (if available)

Information the registrar needs to know about the deceased

• • The date and place of death
• • Their full name, maiden name if applicable
• • Their home address
• • The date and place of death
• • Their occupation
• • Details of any pension or allowance from public funds
• • If married, the date of birth of the surviving spouse

Extra copies of the registration of death certificate can be obtained for a small fee – these will be needed for legal or financial purposes.

The registrar will also issue you with a green certificate for the burial or cremation - this will be needed by the funeral director. You will also be given a white certificate of registration of death which is used to cancel payments of pensions and allowances from public funds.