Registering the death

When and where to register a death

By law, registering the death in England and Wales should take place within five days (unless by prior arrangement with the registrar). It is advisable to go to the registration office in the area in which the person died, as you will receive the documents you need on the day. If you use a different register office, it will take longer to get the documents you need which could delay the funeral arrangements.

Registering the death will involve some simple questions and the process normally takes about 30 minutes at the registration office. It is likely that you will need to make an appointment in advance.

Who can register a death

A certified death (when a Cause of Death Certificate has been obtained):

A relative of the deceased, present at the death
A relative of the deceased, in attendance during the last illness
A relative of the deceased, residing or being in the sub-district where the death occurred
A person present at the death
An administrator from the hospital or nursing home
A person in charge of making funeral arrangements

A death that has been referred to the Coroner:

Any relative of the deceased having knowledge of any of the particulars required to be registered
Any person present at the death
Any person who found the body
Any person in charge of the body
The person causing the disposal of the body

What the registrar will need to know

Date and place of death
The person’s full name (and maiden name, if applicable)
The person’s date and place of birth
Their occupation
Their last address
Whether they were in receipt of a State Pension or other benefits
Full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner

Documents the Registrar will need

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death which will have been signed by a doctor or coroner

And if available, but not essential for registration:

Birth certificate
Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
Council tax bill
Driving licence
NHS medical card
Passport
Proof of your address (e.g. a utility bill)

Documents you will receive from the Registrar

Certificate for Burial or Cremation (green form) – giving permission for a burial or cremation to take place.
A copy of the Death Certificate (certified copy of an entry)- extra certified copies (we suggest 5-7) can be obtained for a small charge. These may be needed for legal or financial purposes when administering the deceased’s affairs.
A certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) – You may need this if the person was receiving a State Pension or benefits.

‘Tell Us Once’ Service

Tell Us Once service makes informing organisations and government departments of the death easier for you. You only need to provide the details of the deceased to the Department for Work and Pensions once and they will notify all other governmental organisations who need to know.

When registering the death, the Registrar will inform you if this service is available to you and will then add the details to the Tell Us Once national database on your behalf. Once added, you will be given a reference number to be able to complete the process online or by phone.

Life Ledger Service

Life Ledger provides a free easy-to-use service to close, freeze or transfer all of your loved one’s commercial accounts. They can help with banks, building societies, pension providers, gas, water, electricity, telephone, television, mobile phones, internet & broadband, car, home & pet insurance and many more. To find out more visit www.lifeledger.com