Registration Of A Death

The death must be registered within 5 days of death at the register office local to where the death took place. If you are unable to or have difficulty in getting there, contact the registrar as soon as possible.

It is advisable to contact the register office as soon as possible to make an appointment to limit your waiting time. Check when the registrar will be available and whether only you need to go along. It may be that someone other than you will be needed to give information for the death to be registered.

If the death has been referred to the coroner, it cannot be registered until the registrar has received authority from the coroner to do so. You will be notified by H. M. Coroner when to attend the Registrer Office.

The information for registration may be given to any registrar in England and Wales. You will need to attend your chosen registrar’s office to make a declaration of the particulars of the deceased. This declaration will then be forwarded to the registrar for the sub-district where the death took place, where it will be registered. This may delay the issue of the certificates and setting the date for the funeral.

Who can register a death?

• A relative of the deceased.
• Someone present at the death.
• An occupant of the house/official from the hospital, if that is where the death occurred.
• The person making the arrangements with the Funeral Directors.

Documents required.

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death – this is vital
• The Medical card of the deceased person - if available
• Birth certificate and marriage certificate of the deceased person – if available

Information required.

• Date & place of the death.
• Full name of deceased (maiden name if applicable)
• Date & place of the birth.
• Occupation & home address.
• If married, full name & occupation of surviving spouse/civil partner.
• Date of birth of surviving widow/widower/civil partner.
• Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds.

Certificates given.

• Certificate for Burial or Cremation for the Funeral Director (Green).
• Form BD8 to complete and send to the local Job Centre Plus or Social Security.
• Copies of Entry of Death for Bank, Building Society, insurance, solicitor, etc.