Registering a death
You need to register a death in Scotland within 8 days. You can register the death at any registration office in Scotland by making an appointment.
Who can register a death
The death can be registered by:
- any relative of the deceased person
- any person present at the death
- the deceased person's executor or other legal representative
- the occupier of the property where the person died
- anyone who knows the information needed to register the death (if no-one else is available)
How to register a death
You should make an appointment at one of our registration offices by calling 030 33 33 3000.
You'll need to bring a few things along to your appointment with the registrar:
- the medical certificate of cause of death
- the deceased person's birth certificate
- the deceased person's marriage certificate (if appropriate)
- the deceased person's NHS medical card
Some medical certificates are randomly selected for a review and paperwork can't be issued until the review is complete. Reviews can take up to 3 working days.
Death certificates
You get a copy of the abbreviated death certificate free when the death is registered. You can also buy a full certificate for £10 within one month of registering.
Notifying people of a death
We offer a free service to help you give information about a death to different council services and government departments who need to know.
Page last updated: 07/05/2019
