After you register the death, the registrar will give you a copy of the abbreviated death certificate. They do this free of charge.
The registrar will offer to send a copy of the Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14) to your funeral director. This certificate allows them to make funeral arrangements. If you have not decided on a funeral director the registrar will offer to email or post a copy of the certificate to you.
They will give you the opportunity to purchase any full death certificates you may require for business purposes, such as for:
- life insurance
- a private pension company
You can get these documents:
- immediately, from the registrar, if you are in the registration office
- posted to you by the registrar, if your registration is being completed remotely
If the person was over 14 years old, the registrar will notify:
- the local authority Council Tax department
- the Electoral Registration Officer
Tell Us Once Service
During the death registration, the registrar will offer you the Tell us Once Service. This is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.
They will either:
- complete a report with you when you register the death
- give you a unique reference number to allow you to use the service online or by phone
You can read more about Tell Us Once on mygov.scot.
Funeral Support Payment
Payment is available to help people who are:
- paying for a funeral
- on certain low-income benefits or tax credits
- the nearest relation to the person who has died
You can apply up to six months after a funeral.
You can read more about Funeral Support Payment on mygov.scot.
