how to register the death
Informing the Registrar
Usually a relative of the deceased informs the Registrar and this needs to be done before the funeral takes place. People who can inform the Registrar are:
- A relative of the deceased
- The person responsible for the funeral, though not the funeral director
- Any person present at the death
- The occupier of the premises where the death took place, such as the matron of a care home
It is a good idea to arrange an appointment with the Registrars Office. We can do this for you and also accompany you if you wish. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, registering a death must be completed within five days at the Registrars Office for the district where the person died. In Scotland the law required registration within eight days.
What the Registrar needs to know
- Personal details of the deceased
- Full name (and maiden name for a married woman)
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Usual home address
- Occupation
- The date of birth of a surviving spouse
- Whether they had a pension, or allowance from public funds
Papers you will need for the Registrar
The deceased:
- Medical certificate of Cause of Death
- Birth Certificate
- National Health Service medical card (if available)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Certificates that the Registrar will give you
The Registrar provides two certificates:
• Green certificate for the burial or cremation (white certificate
in Scotland) – this is given to the funeral director before the funeral
takes place (unless the coroner is involved)
• Certificate of registration of death – this is required by all legal
and financial organisations
Extra copies of certificates
The Registrar provides two certificates:
Extra copies of the certificates can be obtained from the Registrar for a small
fee. The administrators of the estate may need additional copies of the certificates
to inform the necessary authorities and financial organisations.
How we support you in registering the death:
• Making an appointment with the Registrar’s Office
• Accompanying you to register the death, if you wish
