Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
Register within 8 days (includes weekends, vs 5 days England/Wales). Book appointment with National Records of Scotland registrar. Bring MCCD from doctor, deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate, your ID. Wider range can register: any relative, person present, executor, occupier. Death certificates £12. Certificate issued same day—funeral cannot proceed without it.
In Scotland, you have 8 days to register a death (compared to 5 days in England and Wales). This period includes weekends and public holidays. According to National Records of Scotland, registration must be completed within this timeframe to avoid complications. For a complete overview of death registration across the UK, including regional differences, see our comprehensive guide.
⚠️ Key Difference: Scotland uses the National Records of Scotland (NRS) system, which differs from England and Wales in several important ways.
October 2026 Update:
Most Scottish registration offices now offer online appointment booking through the NRS website. Some remote areas may still require phone bookings.
The following people can register a death, in order of preference:
💡 Tip: Scotland allows a wider range of people to register compared to England and Wales, which can be helpful in complex family situations.
Use the National Records of Scotland website to find your nearest registration office. You can register at any office in Scotland, not just the one where the death occurred.
Most offices now offer online appointment booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with the date, time, and what to bring.
If online booking isn't available for your area, call the registration office directly. They may ask for preliminary information over the phone.
The registrar will ask you to provide:
📝 Scotland requires more detailed family information than England and Wales, including both parents' details. This follows the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965.
In Scotland, you receive a certified "extract" rather than a certificate. This is the official document you need for legal purposes.
Cost: First extract is free. Additional extracts cost £12 each at registration, or £15 if ordered later.
This allows burial or cremation to proceed. Give this to your funeral director.
You'll receive information about using Tell Us Once to notify government departments, though the service works slightly differently in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
The death registration process varies significantly between Scottish and other UK jurisdictions:
Timeline: 8 days in Scotland vs 5 days in England/Wales
Document name: "Extract" in Scotland vs "Certificate" in England/Wales
Information required: More detailed family history needed in Scotland
First copy: Free in Scotland vs £12.50 in England/Wales
Registration location: Can register at any office in Scotland (not limited to where death occurred)
If the death has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland's equivalent of a coroner), you cannot register until their investigation is complete.
Remote island communities may have different arrangements. Contact the local registration office for specific guidance.
Some faiths require burial within 24 hours. Contact the registration office immediately to arrange an emergency appointment if needed.
Essential guide to GRONI death registration procedures, required documents, 5-day timeline, and how Northern Ireland differs from GB.
Everything you need to know about registering a death, including documents, timelines, and local registrars.
Specific requirements for death registration in England and Wales, including online booking and required documents.
Understanding the new Medical Examiner system introduced in 2024, what to expect from the ME review, and how it affects death registration.
Clear guide to qualified informants who can legally register a death, priority order, and what to do in complex family situations.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95