Death Registration

When should I register a death?

By law, all deaths that occur in Northern Ireland must be registered. Deaths should be registered before the funeral takes place, except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner. If the Coroner is involved, the registration will take place after the funeral.

Who can register a Death?

Any relative of the deceased who has knowledge of the details required to be registered (this includes a relative by marriage).

  1. A person present at the death.
  2. A person taking care of the funeral arrangements.
  3. The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate.
  4. The occupier, at the time of death, of the premises in which the death occurred.
  5. A person finding the body, or
  6. A person taking charge of the body

What do you need in order to register a Death?

You will need the medical certificate cause of death issued by a doctor. Death certificates are issued online and sent to the registry office in which the registered address of the deceased was. Although a physical copy can be picked up at the GP office or hospital.

Death registration form – GRO 73

When arranging the funeral we can assist you with the death registration process and if you prefer can organise the purchase of registered copies of the death certificate, which will be needed to organise certain affairs. This process involved completing the GRO 73 form as mentioned above and sending a copy to the registry office. Newry Mourne & Down District Council have a registry office here in Downpatrick.

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 which is £8 on the day of registration. If you require a copy at a later date, there will be a search fee.

Where can a Death be registered?

With the Registrar at the office of Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages

If a medical certificate  cause of death is issued by the doctor :

  1. The death can be registered in any Registration Council Office.

If the coroner is involved the death must be registered:

  1. In the district in which the person died, or
  2. In the district in which the person normally lived.

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