Registering a death in Scotland
Last reviewed June 2026 by Naomi Jackson
Short answer
Scotland has its own death registration system, run by National Records of Scotland (NRS). The rules differ from England and Wales in a few important ways.
The 8-day deadline
In Scotland you must register a death within 8 days of the date of the death, and you can do it at any Scottish register office. That is different from England and Wales, where the 5 days are counted from the medical examiner's office confirming you can register rather than from the death. There is no countdown while the death is with the procurator fiscal (Scotland's equivalent of the coroner).
Where to register
You can register at any registration office in Scotland, regardless of where the death happened. This makes things easier if family live elsewhere.
Confirmation, not probate
Scotland uses 'Confirmation' to deal with the estate, not probate. You apply to the Sheriff Court. The threshold for 'small estates' is £36,000.
Tell Us Once works in Scotland
Tell Us Once is available across Scotland and works the same way as in England and Wales. The registrar will give you the reference at the appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What's the procurator fiscal?
The procurator fiscal investigates sudden, suspicious, accidental, unexplained or unexpected deaths in Scotland. The registrar can't issue a certificate until the fiscal has released the case, similar to coroner cases in England.
Do I need a Scottish solicitor for Confirmation?
Not for small estates (under £36,000), you can use the free Sheriff Court small estates service. Larger or more complex estates usually need a solicitor.
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The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
Death admin checklist
A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
Tell Us Once explained
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Probate explained
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