How to register a death

In England and Wales, a death must be registered by the Registrar of Births & Deaths. The death will need to be registered in the area in which it occurred. We can advise you on which registrar should be contacted.

To register a death you need to book an appointment in advance. You’ll be able to do this once the GP surgery, hospice or hospital have sent the information needed to the registrar. The death must be registered, in person, within five days, unless a coroner is involved.

Who can register the death?
Only certain family members are allowed to register the death. If no relative is available then the registration can be carried out by someone who was present at the death, or the person who is responsible for arranging the funeral.

If you are unsure whether or not you have the authority, we will advise you.

If the death has been reported to the Coroner, we will advise you as to when to register the death.

The Registrar will need the following information:

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (if Coroner not involved).
• Full name of the person that has died.
• Home address.
• Date and place of death.
• Date and place of birth.
• Occupation.
• If married the date of birth of the surviving partner.
• If they received a pension or allowance from public funds.

The Registrar will issue you with:

• The Green Form for Burial or Cremation (we will need this form)
• As many copies of the Death Certificate that you need