How to Register a Death in Northern Ireland
How do I register a death in Northern Ireland?
Register within 5 days at the district registrar office where death occurred, managed by GRONI. Book appointments via nidirect.gov.uk. Death certificates cost £10 (cheaper than England/Wales at £12.50). You'll receive death certificates, burial/cremation certificate, and Tell Us Once information.
- Deadline: 5 days from death (same as England/Wales)
- Where: District registrar office where death occurred (find via nidirect.gov.uk)
- Certificate cost: £10 at registration, £15 if ordered later (cheaper than GB)
- Managed by: GRONI (General Register Office for Northern Ireland)
- Book appointment: Online at nidirect.gov.uk or call district office
- Key difference: £2.50 cheaper per certificate than England/Wales
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
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. Understanding how death registration works across the UK can help you navigate the regional differences and requirements.
October 2026 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
The death registration process in Northern Ireland has several notable 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 2026)
- • 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
Related Guides
How to Register a Death in Scotland
Complete guide to death registration in Scotland, including 8-day deadline, National Records procedures, and key differences from England/Wales.
How to Register a Death in the UK
Everything you need to know about registering a death, including documents, timelines, and local registrars.
How to Register a Death in England and Wales
Specific requirements for death registration in England and Wales, including online booking and required documents.
Medical Examiner Review Process (2024 Changes)
Understanding the new Medical Examiner system introduced in 2024, what to expect from the ME review, and how it affects death registration.
Who Can Register a Death
Clear guide to qualified informants who can legally register a death, priority order, and what to do in complex family situations.