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.
