Who can register a death?
Only certain people are legally qualified to act as an informant when registering a death. The following is a list of people who may register a death, in order of preference.
In all cases
- Someone who was present at the death, defined as being in the same building at the time of death or perhaps finding the deceased.
- A relative of the deceased, defined as someone related by blood or by marriage or by law. For example mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother (and the same in-law and the same as related by marriage such as step-son); aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin (and the same as related by marriage); wife, husband and adopted children.
- If no relative is available, then who can register depends on where the death took place.
Deaths in a Rest Home, Nursing Home or Hospital
- The Occupier of the Home or Hospital may register if he or she knew of the death.
- Another person living at the Rest Home or Nursing Home may register if he or she knew of the death.
- The person making the decision on the funeral arrangements may register. Please note: this is not always the same person as the executor of the will.
Deaths elsewhere
- Someone who finds a body may register the death
- A person in charge of a body may register
- The person making the decision on the funeral arrangements may register. This is not always the same person as the executor of the will.
The majority of deaths are registered by a relative of the deceased. If you are in any doubt, please contact our staff at the Register Office who will be happy to clarify any confusion.
If English is not the informant’s first language and help is needed with registering the death, it would be helpful for an English speaking friend to accompany them to the Register Office and act as interpreter. However, the informant must register the death personally as a friend cannot sign the register instead of them.
Alternatively, the Registrar can arrange for an interpreter to be available on the telephone.