How to Register a Death in Northern Ireland

Registration Requirements in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, you must register a death within 5 days, similar to England and Wales. The General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI) manages all registrations.

October 2025 Update:

GRONI has expanded online appointment booking to all district councils. Most registrations can now be scheduled online through the nidirect website.

⚠️ If a death has been referred to the Coroner, registration cannot proceed until the Coroner's investigation is complete.

Who Can Register a Death?

The following people are qualified to register, in order of priority:

A relative who was present at the death
A relative in attendance during the deceased's last illness
A relative residing in the registration district where death occurred
Any person present at the death
The occupier of the premises where death occurred
Any inmate (resident) of the premises who was aware of the death
The person causing disposal of the body (e.g., funeral director)

Essential Documents

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (from the doctor)
The deceased's birth certificate (if possible)
Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
NHS medical card
Proof of the deceased's address
National Insurance number (if available)
Your own photo ID (passport or driving licence)

💡 Tip: While you don't need all these documents, having them speeds up the process considerably.

Booking a Registration Appointment

Find Your District Office

You must register at the district registrar's office for the area where the death occurred. Use the nidirect website to find your local office.

Online Booking

Most offices now accept online appointments through nidirect.gov.uk. You'll need the medical certificate reference number.

Phone Booking

Call the district registrar's office directly if online booking isn't suitable. Have the medical certificate details ready.

Information Required

The registrar will ask for:

The deceased's full name and any previous names
Date and place of birth
Date and place of death
Last usual address
Occupation (or spouse's occupation if retired)
Marital status and spouse's details
Whether the deceased was receiving a state pension or benefits
National Insurance number

Documents You'll Receive

Death Certificate

The official certified copy of the death registration. You'll need multiple copies for banks, insurance companies, and legal purposes.

Cost: £10 per certificate at registration, £15 if ordered later.

Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Form GRO 20)

This permits the funeral to proceed. Hand this to your funeral director immediately.

Tell Us Once Information

Details on using the Tell Us Once service to notify multiple government departments at once.

Key Differences from Great Britain

Lower cost: £10 per certificate in NI vs £12.50 in England/Wales

GRONI system: Different database and processes from England/Wales/Scotland

District requirement: Must register in the district where death occurred

Coroner vs Procurator Fiscal: NI uses Coroner system (like England/Wales)

Special Situations

Cross-Border Deaths

If someone normally resident in Northern Ireland dies in GB or ROI, special rules apply. Contact GRONI for guidance.

Missing 5-Day Deadline

Late registration requires an explanation. Contact the registrar as soon as possible to arrange registration.

Historical Records

GRONI holds records back to 1864. Historical certificates can be ordered online or by post.

Registration Fees (October 2025)

• Death registration: Free
• Death certificate at registration: £10 each
• Death certificate ordered later: £15 each
• Online certificate order: £15 each
• Priority service: £35 per certificate (subject to availability)

Useful Contacts

• GRONI General Enquiries: 0300 200 7812
• nidirect website: nidirect.gov.uk/death
• Find local registrar: nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/district-registrars
• Tell Us Once NI: Available through registrar