When someone dies: register the death and get the certificate

What to do first, and how to get death certificates for banks, insurance and burial.

✓ Links tested 24 Oct 2026 · Facts checked 24 Oct 2026

Opens the official government site.

Who can do this

Family members or the person handling arrangements.

The doctor’s Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death, or the post-mortem report
The deceased person’s full name, date and place of death
Your own ID

Tick things off as you gather them.

Natural death: the doctor gives a medical certificate. The death should be registered with the local District Registrar within 5 days (written notice within 14 days).
Sudden or violent death, or no doctor’s care: call the nearest police station. A post-mortem will be done and the police give a burial order. That is not the registration.
Wait about 10 days after registration, then apply online for death certificate copies.

Shown when you apply.

Allow 10 days after registration before ordering copies.

Any NIRA office. Phone (876) 749-0550.