Registering a death
How much does it cost to register a death and what documents do I receive?
There is no charge to register a death and the registrar will issue a document to allow a burial or cremation to proceed if the Coroner has not already done so. This document needs to be given to the funeral director as the burial/cremation cannot proceed without it. The registrar will also issue a document for the Department of Social Security (DSS). This document (Form BD8), will clear up any outstanding pension entitlement, if appropriate, and also gives the DSS information on the benefit entitlement of the surviving spouse. These are the only two documents that the registrar will issue free of charge. The only cost involved is where the person registering the death requires certified copies of the death entry for personal purposes (eg to wind up the deceased's estate). Each copy attracts a statutory fee and the Registrar will advise of the current charges.