Information on

Registering a Death

Registering a death is the one thing that Funeral Directors are unable to do for the family. In Scotland it is a legal requirement to register the death within 8 days of it taking place and prior to cremation.

What happens when death occurs?

When a death occurs in Scotland the certifying doctor will issue a Death Certificate (Form 11). If the death takes place in hospital or a care home the doctor who has attended the deceased will issue this form or if death takes place at home it would normally be the GP who would issue the certificate. In cases of sudden death, the death certificate may be issued by a police surgeon and if reported to the procurator fiscal this could take a little longer as the police surgeon has to wait for authority from the procurator fiscal to issue the certificate. In these circumstances the funeral director will keep you advised.

Who can register?

Any relative of the deceased

Any person present at the time of death

The executor or other legal representative of the deceased

If the death occurs in a care home or within the care sector a representative of the home/organisation can register (i.e. Manager, Governor, Chief Officer etc.)

Any other person with the knowledge of the particulars required for registration

Documents Required

Death Certificate (Form 11)
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (if married) or Civil Partnership Certificate
NHS Medical Card (if available)

The death can be registered at any Registrars Office in Scotland; however some Registrars offices now operate on an appointment system. We can advise you on this and can arrange a mutual appointment.

Documents provided by the Registrar

The Registrar will retain the Death Certificate (Form 11), give all the other paperwork back to whoever is registering the death and provide the following:

Form 14 – (White Form)
This must be given to the Funeral Director as soon as possible to be passed on to the Crematorium or Burial Authority

Form BD8 – (White Form)
A telephone number is now provided on this form to cancel the state pension and any other benefits that the deceased may have been in receipt of.

Abbreviated Death Certificate is issued Free of Charge and may be accepted by some banks, insurance/pension companies etc. as notification of death. The registrar will also ask if Extract copies of the Entry of Register of Deaths are required. These copies currently cost £10.00 each if purchased at the time of registration, (if purchased at a later date i.e.one month the cost is £15 each). Copies are required by most banks or building societies, insurance companies and pension companies etc. to wind up the deceased’s estate. It is advisable to obtain one or two copies at the time of registration.

Registrar’s Offices

Clydebank

Roseberry Place, Clydebank G81 1TG

Telephone
01389 738350 (strictly by appointment)

Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 12 and 1.00pm – 4.00pm
(closed 12noon – 1.00pm)

Dumbarton

Municipal Buildings, College Street, (off Station Road), Dumbarton G82

Telephone
01389 738350 (appointment required)

Office Hours
Monday – Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm

Bearsden

38 Roman Road, Bearsden, G61 2SH

Telephone
0300 123 4510 (Strictly by Appointment)

Office Hours
Monday 9.00am – 5.00pm Tuesday – Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm

Glasgow

City Service Desk, 45 John Street, Glasgow

Telephone
0141 287 7658 (appointment system in place)

Office Hours
Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm