A death has to be registered within five days at the register office for the district where it happened, not where the person lived. It is a short appointment, but it is one that you have to do yourself; we cannot do it for you. Here is what to expect.
1. Who can register
A relative is first in line. If there is no relative able to do it, someone who was present at the death, the person arranging the funeral, or the occupier of the building where it happened can register instead.
2. What to take
The medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor, and if you have them, the person’s birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, NHS number and proof of address. You will be asked their full name, date and place of birth, occupation and last address, and the name of their spouse or partner.
3. What you get back
The death certificate, which you will need copies of for banks, pensions and insurers; buy several at the appointment, as they are cheaper then. And the green certificate for burial or cremation, which you give to us. The registrar will also offer the Tell Us Once service, which informs government departments in one go.
