Death - registering

To register a death

We aim to make this registration process as simple as possible. 

When a death occurs in Scotland, a certifying medical practitioner will issue a cause of death certificate for production to the registrar.  This document is called a Form 11.

All deaths occurring in Scotland must be registered in Scotland within 8 days of their occurrence. The duty to provide the particulars for registration rests principally with a relative of the deceased, but if no such relative is available, the duty may be performed by any person present at the death, or the deceased’s executor or other legal representative, or the occupier of the premises where the death took place.

A death may be registered in any registration office in Scotland

There are six registration offices within the Stirling Council area.  You may wish to contact your nearest office in advance to make an appointment.

If in any doubt as to where a death may be registered, or if you require any advice regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact any of our offices.

A Directory of Registrars containing details of all registration offices in Scotland is also available on the General Register Office website.

Documents required

The following documents should be taken to the Registration office:-

  • The medical certificate of cause of death, Form 11, (normally given by the deceased person’s doctor, or by the hospital in which the death occurred);
  • The deceased’s birth certificate, if available;
  • If applicable, the deceased’s marriage certificate, if available;
  • If applicable, the deceased’s civil partnership certificate, if available;
  • The deceased’s National Health Service medical card, if available;
  • Any book, certificate or document relating to any pension or allowance, which the deceased received from government/public funds.

Particulars required

The particulars required for registration purposes include the following:-

  • The full name, occupation and postal address of the deceased person and his or her date and country of birth;
  • If the deceased had ever been married or in a civil partnership, the full name and occupation of any current or previous spouse or civil partner.
  • If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership at the date of death, the date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner;
  • The full name and occupation of the deceased person’s father and the full name, maiden surname and occupation of the deceased’s mother.  If the deceased’s mother had been married more than once, details of any other surname;
  • The name and address of the deceased’s GP;
  • The deceased’s National Health Service number, if known.

Documents that will be issued at the registration

At the time of registration, a Form 14 will be issued to hand over to the funeral director dealing with the arrangements.  A form (334 S1)(green form) will also be issued for completion and production to the Department For Work And Pensions. Both forms are issued automatically free of charge.  An abbreviated death certificate which shows name, date of birth, date of death and place of death will also be issued free of charge.  A full death certificate can be obtained from the Registrar on payment of the statutory fee, currently £10.00.

The registrar will also provide a guide 'What to do after a death in Scotland'