Registering a death is one of the first legal steps after someone dies. Once the death has been registered, you will receive the documents needed to begin notifying organisations, arranging the funeral, and dealing with the person's estate. This guide explains what a death certificate is, how many copies you may need, how to order additional copies, and answers some of the most common questions families ask.
In England and Wales, a death normally needs to be registered within five days, although there are exceptions if the death has been referred to the Coroner. The death is registered at your local Register Office. Once the registration is complete, you'll receive the documents needed to move on to the next steps.
You may receive:
A death certificate is an official legal document that records details of the person who has died, including:
Many organisations will ask to see either an original certified copy or accept electronic verification.
There is no single correct number. Many families find that purchasing 5 to 10 certified copies is enough, particularly if several organisations need to be contacted at the same time.
You may need copies for:
Some organisations now return certificates quickly, while others use secure electronic verification instead.
Yes.If you later discover you need more certified copies, you can order additional certificates through the Register Office where the death was registered or the General Register Office.
If you notice an error on a death certificate, contact the Register Office as soon as possible. Simple administrative errors can often be corrected, while more significant changes may require supporting evidence and follow a formal correction process.
No. Many organisations now accept:
Always check each organisation's requirements before sending original documents.
The Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to several government departments in one step, helping to reduce the number of organisations you need to contact separately. Where available, it can notify services such as:
Your registrar will tell you whether the service is available in your area.
Usually, the death should be registered in the district where it occurred. If this is difficult, speak to your local Register Office for advice.
Registration may be delayed until the Coroner has completed their investigation or issued the necessary paperwork.
Yes. In many cases, a close relative will register the death, but there are other people who may be legally able to do so depending on the circumstances.
Generally, no. If an organisation requires a death certificate, they usually ask for a certified copy, not a standard photocopy.