Register a death

Every death that occurs in the Northwest Territories must be registered so it becomes an official NWT record of death. This page explains who completes the forms, what information is required, and how the registration is submitted. 

Make sure the death occurred in the Northwest Territories

Only deaths that occur in the NWT can be registered with NWT Vital Statistics. 

Understand who completes the registration

Most people do not complete the death registration themselves. The formal registration is completed by professionals involved in the care of the deceased, including:

• The physician or coroner, who completes the Medical Certificate of Death.
• The funeral director, who completes the Registration of Death Statement with help from the deceased’s nearest relative or another knowledgeable person. 

Registration timelines and fees

• There is no fee to register a death within one year of the date of death.
• A fee of $26 applies if the registration is more than one year after the date of death.

You or your family may be asked to provide information to help the funeral director complete the Registration of Death, such as:

• The deceased person’s full legal name and personal details.
• Information about the death, if you were present.
• Contact information for the nearest relative.

The required form is:

• Death Registration Statement (provided by the funeral home or the Vital Statistics office). 

1. The physician or coroner completes the Medical Certificate of Death and sends it to the funeral director who is responsible for the deceased. 
2. The funeral director completes the Registration of Death Statement with the assistance of the nearest relative or another person with knowledge of the death. 
3. The funeral director submits both documents to a district or sub‑registrar, or directly to Vital Statistics. 
4. The district or sub‑registrar registers the death, signs and dates the record, issues a burial permit, and forwards the documents to the Registrar General. 
5. The Registrar General reviews and verifies the information and then permanently files the official record of death. 

Vital Statistics does not send a confirmation after a death is registered. They will contact the funeral director, physician, coroner, or informant only if information is missing or requires clarification. 

You will be able to order a death certificate after the registration is complete. Use the Order a death certificate page to apply.