All deaths are required, by law, to be registered in the district in which they occur. The GP will issue a MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH, which is then required to be taken to the DISTRICT REGISTRAR (with, if possible, the deceased’s MEDICAL CARD) by one of the following;

1) A relative of the deceased who is present at death.
2) A relative of the deceased who was in attendance during the illness.
3) A relative residing or being in the district where the death occurred.
4) A person present at death.
5) The occupier of the house, if he knew of the happening of the death.
6) Any inmate of the house, if he knew of the happening of the death.
7) The person dealing with the disposal of the body.
(NOT THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR)

The procedure when you go to the registrar is very straight forward and the following questions will be asked;

Date and place of birth
Full name of deceased
Marriage status of deceased
Home address of deceased

Male (even if retired) his last occupation
Female (either married or a widow), her maiden name and her husband’s full name and occupation if any.
Married at date of death, the date of birth of the surviving partner.
The Registrar will then issue the following CERTIFICATES:
1) A GREEN CERTIFICATE which is required by the FUNERAL DIRECTOR for either Cremation or Burial.
2) A copy of the certified entry of Death (otherwise known as the DEATH CERTIFICATE)
Additional copies of this may be obtained from the Registrar upon payment of the appropriate fee, should you require them for legal purposes. The REGISTRAR will advise you on this.
3) A WHITE CERTIFICATE OF DEATH, which is required should you wish to claim any NI benefits. NB: Should the death be notified to the CORONER and the funeral service is to be a CREMATION, then REGISTRATION can be effected after the funeral.