Registering a Death

When someone dies it can be a stressful and upsetting time.  This section will provide guidance and information to help you through the registration process.

If the death took place outwith Scotland it must be registered in the country the death occurred.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call our office on 01475 714250.  Appointments will take place remotely which means we can complete registrations over the phone.  We can also offer face-to-face appointments if this is your preference.

Who can register a death?

The death can be registered by:

  • Any relative of the deceased; or
  • Any person who was present when the person died; or
  • The deceased’s executor or legal representative; or
  • Any person living in the premises where the person died; or if there is no such person;
  • Any other person with knowledge of the death

What information do I need to provide?

  • The medical certificate issued by doctor/hospital who certified the death; known as a ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)’, previously known as a ‘form 11’ will now be provided electronically by the hospital/doctor.  However, if you personally collected this document please send it by email to registrars@inverclyde.gov.uk and post the original document to us.
  • When you are notfying us of the death we will ask you to verbally provide the information listed below to allow us to produce copies of the relevant certificates on your behalf:  
    1. The deceased’s date and place of birth.
    2. The deceased’s date and place of marriage or civil partnership and maiden surname, if applicable
    3. The deceased’s NHS number that can be obtained from their doctors surgery

What documents do I receive?

  • An abbreviated death certificate , which is issued free of charge
  • A certificate of registration of death (form 14) for the funeral director
  • A form for the Department of Work and Pensions (form BD8) this is for use in obtaining or adjusting social security benefits
  • A full death certificate(s)  can be purchased at the time of registration for the statutory fee of £10.00 per extract – this is an optional service
  • Tell us Once letter if you wish to use this service.  More information provided below.

How do I pay?

  • Payment is by debit/credit card.  

What if I am late to my appointment?

If you are late for your telephone appointment it may have to be rescheduled if we are unable to accommodate you.

Tell Us Once

Tell us once with Inverclyde Council means that you can just tell us once and other government departments and local council services will be contacted to advise of the death.   During your appointment with the Registrar you can ask to use the Tell Us Once service then and there. 

You will need to provide the following information about the deceased:

  • Their date of birth and, if you have it National Insurance Number
  • Details of any benefits or services they were receiving
  • Their driving licence or driving licence number
  • Their passport or passport number and town/country of birth
  • Details of Blue Badge if issued with one

More information can be found in the document’s section of this page – Tell Us Once

If you don’t have all the documents, or you want to use the service after the appointment, we can simply register your loved one’s passing with the Tell Us once Service.  We will provide you with a letter with contact details and unique reference code that will allow you to contact the service personally up-to 28 days later.  Should you decide not to use the service the information will automatically be deleted after the 28 days have lapsed.

The video helps to explain the process and what's involved.