It is required to register a death within 5 working days by law, and this is normally done in the registration district where the death occurred (we will be able to inform you on the location of the local registrar’s office).
In normal circumstances, the Medical Certificate (signed by a doctor) and, if possible, the deceased’s Medical Card should be taken to the Registrars. The registrar will then provide you with the approved copy/copies (you must pay a nominal fee for these). The Registrar will also provide you with the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (also known as the “green form”) to send to the Funeral Director. You should give this to us as soon as possible so we can begin making the necessary arrangements. The Government have created a “Tell Us Once Service” which the registrar will go through with you at the time of registration.
To avoid delays, it is best to go to the register office in the area in which the person has died. You can choose another register office (in certain circumstances only) but it may take longer to get the necessary documents and this could delay the funeral arrangements.
Who Should Register a Death
Most deaths are registered by a relative, and as a rule, other people are only allowed if relatives are not available. The registrar would normally only allow other people if there are no relatives available.
The death can be registered by:
- a relative
- someone present at the death
- an occupant of the house
- an official from the hospital
- the person making the arrangements (but not the Funeral Director)
What Information/Documents to Take
When registering a death, the only thing that is always required is a medical certificate signed by a doctor/coroner that shows the cause and date of death. You can bring their birth certificate, marriage certificate, or NHS card with you because you will be asked questions about the details on these papers. It would also be helpful to know if they were receiving a state pension or any other benefits.