Registering a Death

In order to register a death, you must take the MCCD to a registrar. A death cannot be registered without the MCCD.

The death may be registered in any registration office in Scotland but must be registered within 8 days.

You will need to make an appointment for your chosen registration office to register the death, we can do this for you if you wish.

Who can register the death?

A close relative or partner should normally register the death. An executor, someone who was present at the death or the occupier of the property where the person died can also do it.

Anyone who has the information needed can register the death, so if you feel too upset you can ask someone else to do it.

What do I need to register the death?

You will need the MCCD issued by the doctor.

It is also helpful to have the persons Birth Certificate, Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate, their NHS card and documents about a state pension or any social security benefits.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all these documents, the registrar will still be able to the death.

What will the registrar give you?

You will be given a Certificate or Registration (Form 14), this should be taken directly to your nominated funeral director so that they can apply for the interment or cremation.

You will also be given a green Social Security or notification of death certificate (Form 334/S1) which is needed if the person received a state pension or social security benefit.

The registrar will also issue and abbreviated extract of the death which may be required by some insurance companies and banks.