When should I register a death?

It is a legal requirement that a death is registered within 5 days. Be aware that you need to book an appointment with the Registrar as usually you can’t just walk in to register a death. If the Coroner is involved there may be a post mortem or even an inquest. Every Coroner’s case is individual so there are three options that may be relevant to you. You may have to register the death in the usual way through the registrar, alternatively the Coroner may register the death for you directly. In some circumstances the coroner may issue an interim death certificate with which you can register the death. Because each case is individual we advise you to contact the Coroner directly on 0333 013 5000 to find out what is happening in your case.

Registration must be done in the district where the death occurred. For information and contact details regarding your local Registrar office please see useful contacts.

What does it cost?

There is no charge for registering a death and when you do you will be given a copy of the Death Certificate. We advise that you get at least 4 copies of the Death Certificate because a number of organisations require to see an original. Purchase of extra death certificates incurs a small charge

Who can register a death?

  • A relative of the deceased
  • An executor for the estate or other legal representative
  • The person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director)

Documents you will require

  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
  • Passport
  • Driving Licence
  • NHS Medical Card
  • Proof of Address
  • Documents relating to receipt of government pensions or allowances

If you can’t find all the above documents don’t worry, you will still be able to register the death.

Information you will require

  • The person’s full name and any other names they may have used
  • Their date and place of birth
  • Their last address
  • Their occupation (last occupation if retired)
  • Details of any pension or benefit from the state
  • Their husband/wife/civil partner’s full name (if the partner is deceased)

Documents the Registrar will give you

Green Form

The Green Form is a crucial document as it enables your Funeral Director to proceed with the cremation or burial. (In the case that the coroner performs a post mortem examination a Green Form will not be issued, instead a Coroner’s form will be sent directly to the Funeral Director). Please note that preliminary arrangements and funeral plans can be made with your Funeral Director before the green form is issued, but the funeral cannot be completed without it.

Once you have receive the Green Form you must give this to your Funeral Director so that they can proceed with the arrangements for the funeral.

Death Certificate (Form BD8)

Find your local registry office

Can we help you?

If you wish to talk to one of our funeral arrangers about our services please get in touch.
01702 436000 Contact us online Get A Bespoke Quote

What to do next

All the contacts and details you will need

Testimonials

Dear Nathan, Brendon and Jeremy,

You’ve been so kind and it’s much appreciated. Thank you so much for the care and kindness you did at the funeral for my husband Vic Thomson,

From the

Thomson Family - March 2020

Sending you a great big hug –

Dear Nathan, the family and all at Penrose!

Many thanks for a very tailored, personal and respectful relationship after my father’s passing.

With kind regards and best wishes

Georgia Duffee -

WOW…What an amazing team!

Thank you Brendon and Kevin for your sympathy, kindness and compassion when you took Cliff into Penrose’ care.

Thank you Nathan for arranging the funeral, it was perfect in every way.

Thank you Jeremy for completing the Order of Service and for leading the funeral in such a respectful, dignified and professional manner. We cannot express how much this meant to us as a family.

Thank you Edward and Paul for your support, respect and kindness on the day of the funeral. Edward, you offered your coat to our mum as she looked cold and Paul, you were so kind talking about the dogs outside our house before we left, the dogs were a big part of Cliff and are so important to the family, so this gave us comfort knowing that they had been recognised.

We have no hesitation in recommending your services to our family and friends.

All of you made a very sad day more bearable. We sincerely THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts,

Kindest wishes

Carole, Darren and Ruth Wingrove - January 2020

To Jeremy and your lovely team,

Thank you for all your support during our hard times. Your team are lovely, kind and so respectful.
Many family members commented how lovely you all are.

Best wishes

Angela Nash and all the family of Arthur Buckley - October 2020

Nathan and Jeremy, Thank you so much for waiting for me tonight, I really appreciate it. I’m so pleased I got there to see mum, she looks lovely and looks like she’s just having a lovely sleep. I love that she is holding all the photos and roses close to her, that is a lovely touch, thank you. I will most definitely be recommending your services.

Maggie - July 2017

To all the staff at Penrose Funerals

Thank you for the compassion, care and support you gave to our family. We really appreciate everything you did for the funeral of David Ray.

Your kindness is appreciated so much

Kind Regards

Kevin and Lorna Russell - July 2022

Thank you to all of you for the care and kind support you gave us during this sad time.

The yellow ties at mum’s funeral was a very special touch, she would have loved that,

Take care,

Sarah and Hayley - November 2022

We decided to go with a family run business as we felt we would receive that extra care and attention so needed at a difficult time. Penrose Funerals exceeded our expectations and ensured all our wishes and feelings were met. Thank you to Nathan who sensitively took us through the initial arrangements and Jeremy who was professional and dignified throughout ….the little details made a big difference and were much appreciated. Thank you again for a truly beautiful service.

Katie Smith - April 2022
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