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Registering a Death

Documents You Should Get from the Registrar

A checklist...
Please note, separate procedures apply where the death has been referred to the coroner.
  • Death certificates - these can be issued after a death has been registered. There is a fee payable for each certificate.
  • Certificate for burial or cremation - the registrar will issue a certificate for the burial or cremation of the body, which will normally be passed to the funeral director. A funeral cannot proceed until this certificate is given to the burial authority or the crematorium. A certificate for cremation cannot be issued before the registration of the death.


If a death has been reported to the coroner, only the Coroner's Office can issue a certificate for cremation.

  • Certificate for applicable Social Security benefits - a certificate for sending to the Department of Social Security will also be issued by the registrar to the person registering the death. The form serves a dual purpose; details of the death are given on one side and the other side is the application for applicable claim forms.

More help


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