The first step is to register the death at a Register Office – this needs to be within the borough of where the person died and must be done within five days.

Should you live elsewhere, you can register a death by declaration at an alternative register office.  We can advise you, as this typically will take longer.

Registration can only be done once the Confirmatory Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued.  When the death is referred to a coroner, we can advise of the registration procedure as it can vary.

Further information  required may include:

• Confirmatory Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• NHS Medical Card
• The deceased’s full name and any previous names used
• Their last address
• Their occupation
• The details of a surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were receiving any state benefits

If there is no post-mortem being held, the register office will supply you with…

• Certified Copy of Entry of Death (The Death Certificate)
• Certificate for Burial / Cremation (BD8)  that should  be Handed to the Funeral Director)
• Social Security Certificate (For the Local Department of Works and Pensions – DWP)
• Advice leaflets with additional information

Please note: There is no charge to register a death, but a nominal fee will be charged for any certified copy of entry of death that you require.

Financial institutions such as Banks, Building Society’s or Insurers will require official copies of this document, which you can obtain when registering.  It is usually cheaper to obtain them at this point and payment for such extra copies can be made by cash or cheque.