When someone dies in Scotland

Much of what happens after a death is the same across the UK. But some things work differently in Scotland: how the death is registered, who investigates sudden deaths, help with funeral costs, and dealing with the estate.

Registering a death in Scotland

Time limit

A death in Scotland must be registered within 8 days, where possible.

Where

You can register at any registration office in Scotland. It doesn't have to be in the area where the person lived or died. Contact the council's registration office to book, and ask whether they can register the death by phone or video.

Who can register

A relative, someone who was present at the death, the executor or a solicitor, or someone who lived in the same household. Others may be able to register if they know the person's details.

What you need

The medical certificate of cause of death, which is required. It also helps to bring the person's birth and marriage certificates, NHS medical card, and details of any pension or government payments.

What you'll get, free of charge

• a certificate of registration of death, which you give to the funeral director
• an abbreviated copy of the entry in the death register

You can buy full copies (extracts) of the death certificate if organisations ask for them.

When the procurator fiscal is involved

Scotland has no coroners. Sudden, suspicious, accidental and unexplained deaths are investigated by the procurator fiscal, part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. A doctor, the police or the registrar may report the death.

If the procurator fiscal is involved, it may not be possible to register within 8 days. You can ask about advance registration if you need to go ahead with the funeral. Some deaths lead to a Fatal Accident Inquiry, which is Scotland's version of an inquest. See coroners, post-mortems and inquests.

Telling organisations

Tell Us Once

Works in Scotland, and it also tells Social Security Scotland. The registrar will explain it when you register. See Tell Us Once.

Help with funeral costs

In Scotland, help with funeral costs for people on certain benefits is called the Funeral Support Payment. It's paid by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP. See paying for a funeral.

Confirmation: dealing with the estate

In Scotland, the legal right to deal with someone's money, property and possessions is called confirmation. It's Scotland's version of probate. You apply to the sheriff court.

Small estates: £36,000 or less

If the total value of the money and property is £36,000 or less, there's a simpler process:

• the sheriff clerk can help you fill in the form, by appointment
• the sheriff clerk doesn't charge for advice or for completing the forms
• there's no court fee for issuing confirmation in a small estate (there are fees for extra copies)

Larger estates

The process is more involved, a court fee may apply depending on the value, and many people use a solicitor. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website explains the steps and current fees.

Find local help

register offices · funeral directors near you · solicitors

Sources, checked 11 September 2026

• mygov.scot, Register a death: mygov.scot/register-death
• mygov.scot, If a death is reported to the procurator fiscal; Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Our role in investigating deaths
• mygov.scot, Tell Us Once; GOV.UK, Tell Us Once (includes Social Security Scotland)
• Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, Small estates: scotcourts.gov.uk/taking-action/dealing-with-a-deceaseds-estate-in-scotland/small-estates/
• mygov.scot, Applying for confirmation when someone dies