How to Register a Death in Scotland
How do I register a death in Scotland?
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.
- Deadline: 8 days (includes weekends/holidays, longer than England/Wales' 5 days)
- Who can register: Any relative, person present, executor, occupier, person with knowledge
- Documents needed: MCCD from doctor, deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate, your ID
- Appointment: Book through NRS website (most offices), phone for remote areas
- Certificate cost: £12 each (order extras during registration to save money)
- System: National Records of Scotland (NRS), different from England/Wales
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Scotland's Registration Timeline
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.
Who Can Register a Death in Scotland?
The following people can register a death, in order of preference:
- Any relative of the deceased
- Any person present at the death
- The executor or other legal representative
- The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
- Any person having knowledge of the particulars to be registered
💡 Tip: Scotland allows a wider range of people to register compared to England and Wales, which can be helpful in complex family situations.
Documents You'll Need
- Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the doctor
- The deceased's birth certificate (if available)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Decree of divorce (if applicable and widowed status is relevant)
- NHS medical card or CHI number
- Proof of the deceased's address
- Your own identification (passport or driving licence)
Booking Your Registration Appointment
Find Your Local Office
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.
Online Booking
Most offices now offer online appointment booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with the date, time, and what to bring.
Phone Booking
If online booking isn't available for your area, call the registration office directly. They may ask for preliminary information over the phone.
At the Registration Appointment
The registrar will ask you to provide:
- The deceased's full name (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Date, time, and place of death
- Usual residence and length of time at that address
- Marital status and spouse's details (if applicable)
- Occupation (current or former)
- Father's name and occupation
- Mother's name and maiden surname
- Whether the deceased had been married before
📝 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.
What You'll Receive
Death Certificate (Extract)
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.
Certificate of Registration (Form 14)
This allows burial or cremation to proceed. Give this to your funeral director.
Tell Us Once Scotland
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.
Key Differences from England and Wales
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)
Registration Fees (October 2026)
- • Death registration: Free
- • First death extract: Free
- • Additional extracts at registration: £12 each
- • Extracts ordered later: £15 each
- • Priority service (if available): £25 per extract
Special Circumstances
Procurator Fiscal Investigation
If the death has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland's equivalent of a coroner), you cannot register until their investigation is complete.
Deaths on Islands
Remote island communities may have different arrangements. Contact the local registration office for specific guidance.
Religious Requirements
Some faiths require burial within 24 hours. Contact the registration office immediately to arrange an emergency appointment if needed.
Useful Contacts
- • National Records of Scotland: 0131 314 4433
- • Find a registrar: nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/registrars
- • Emergency out-of-hours: Contact your local council
Related Guides
How to Register a Death in Northern Ireland
Essential guide to GRONI death registration procedures, required documents, 5-day timeline, and how Northern Ireland differs from GB.
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
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