Registering a death is one of the first legal steps that must be taken after someone has died. Although it can feel overwhelming, the process is usually straightforward and the registrar will guide you through each stage
.In most cases, a death must be registered before funeral arrangements can be finalised. Once the death has been registered, you'll receive the documents needed to arrange a burial or cremation and deal with the person's estate.
In England, a death should normally be registered within five days, unless the coroner is investigating the death. If the death has been referred to the coroner, registration may be delayed until the coroner has completed their enquiries.
Usually, the following people can register a death:
The registrar will advise if someone else is required to register the death.
The registrar will usually have received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death electronically from the doctor or hospital.
You may be asked to provide information such as:
Don't worry if you don't know every detail. The registrar will explain what information is required.
During the appointment, the registrar will ask you several questions about the person who has died. They will enter the information onto the official register before asking you to carefully check that everything is correct. Take your time when checking names, dates and addresses, as correcting mistakes later can be more complicated.
You'll be able to purchase official copies of the death certificate during your appointment. Many organisations, including banks, pension providers, insurance companies and solicitors, will require an official copy before they can deal with the estate. It is often worth purchasing several certified copies if you expect to contact multiple organisations.
Once the death has been registered, the registrar will issue the paperwork needed for the funeral .For most burials and cremations, this includes the certificate that allows the funeral to proceed. Your funeral director will explain which documents they need and will often collect them on your behalf.
Most registrar offices offer the Tell Us Once service. This free government service allows you to notify several government departments at the same time, helping to reduce the number of organisations you need to contact individually.
If the death has been reported to the coroner, the registration process may be delayed while enquiries are carried out. The coroner's office will explain what happens next and will tell you when the death can be registered.
✔ Book your appointment as soon as you're able.✔ Take identification if your local register office asks for it.✔ Buy enough certified copies of the death certificate for the organisations you'll need to contact.✔ Don't worry if you're unsure about the process—the registrar is there to help and answer your questions.
If you're unsure what to do next, continue to our guides on choosing a funeral director, planning a funeral and understanding the funeral process. The Funeral Companion is here to help you every step of the way.