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 to register at one of our registration offices by calling 030 33 33 3004. A death can be registered remotely by telephone or online call or in person. The published directions stating the permitted remote methods of registering in Dumfries and Galloway can be viewed below:
You'll need to have the following information to hand for 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.
