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

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

Dear all at Penrose,

thank you so very much for all of your help, care and advice in arranging the funeral of the late Christopher L****. We appreciate all of your kindness and professional services during this difficult time.

Kind regards

Pauline, Jimmy, Lauren, Jack and Jim - June 2024

Dear Penrose,

Many thanks for looking after John whilst he was in your care. Also thank you for all your help and support you gave us to give John a good send off on his final journey.

Such professional, caring and compassionate people.

A huge big thank you from all of us

Gillian, Sarah, Richard and families - May 2019

To everybody at Penrose,

We are writing to you to express our gratitude and thankfulness for all your help during our sad time. You gave Alan a beautiful send off, he would have thought so himself also!

We are very thankful we were recommended to you.

Very best wishes

Anne, Katrina, Rachael and Hannah - February 2025

To Penrose,

Thank you so much for all the care and respect you gave to Michael Goring, it is very much appreciated.

from

Veronica Goring and family - October 2022

To Nathan and all at Penrose, I just wanted to thank you for the sensitivity, care and respect you showed my Grannie yesterday. She looked amazing and I’m sure you caught a glimpse of her incredible 100 years as my dad spoke at the grave-side. You don’t have an easy job but I hope you know how grateful people are that you do it so well.

Your manner and conduct was gentle, considerate and supportive, thank you for all you did to make yesterday so special. You have been given the gifting and attitude needed to help bring peace and blessing during difficult circumstances. May you know God’s peace and blessing as you continue to serve others in this way, Thank you

Cally (Winnie’s Granddaughter) - Oct 2016

Dear Penrose team,
We need to let you know we appreciate how kind, compassionate and professional you were and to say thank you for giving the best care and send off to my nan, Barbara

Your services gave me and my family comfort and faith in such an awful time.

Again, thank you for all you did!

Natalie Wilson - December 2023
Hello. I would like to thank you all for the care, support and compassion you all showed and for the lovely service you gave for my husband Dennis’ funeral on 11th August. He had a grand “send off” with so many to say their goodbyes, and the sun shone too. John Banks gave a lovely service and myself and my family would like to express our thanks for your help on such a sad day in our lives.
Regards,
Barbara and all the Hudswell family - Sept 2021
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