Introduction
When someone close to you dies it can be hard to know what to do and when. One of the most important things you’ll need to do in the first few days is register the death. This is a legal step that must take place before you can hold the funeral, or deal with the person’s estate.
Our article explains everything about how to register a death in England and Wales, including who can do it and when it needs to be done.
Registering a death
Registering a death is one of the first official things that needs to be done after someone dies. It’s how the government records that the person has died. You need to register the death to get a couple of important documents: a death certificate, and a certificate for burial or cremation. You’ll need these for things like arranging the funeral, closing bank accounts, and sorting out someone’s will and estate.
Registering the death happens at the local register office, usually within a few days of the person’s death.
How long do you have to register a death?
In England and Wales you normally have five days to register a death.
There can be exceptions if the death has been reported to a coroner. This happens if the cause of death is unknown or unexpected. In those cases, you’ll be told when you can register the death once the coroner has finished their investigation.
If you’re having problems or are worried about the timescales contact the register office. They’re used to helping people in sad or stressful situations and will explain what’s possible.
How do you register the death?
You need to book an appointment with a register office in the area where the person died. You can search for the nearest office on the GOV.UK website.
Usually, the person who registers the death is a close family member, like a husband, wife, son, or daughter. If there are no close relatives available, someone else who was present at the death or responsible for arranging the funeral can do it instead.
At the appointment, you’ll meet a registrar, who will ask you some questions about the person who died. They’ll fill in all the forms for you and make sure everything is correct.
Where do you have to go?
You must go to a register office. You can contact any register office, but it will be quicker if you use the one in the area where the person died. You can search by postcode here. If you go to an office other than the one nearest where the person died it can take a few extra days to get the death certificate.
How long does it take to register a death?
The appointment itself usually takes about 30 minutes. You’ll need to book a time with the local register office – this can often be done by phone or online.
Sometimes you can get an appointment within a day or two, but in busier areas it might take a bit longer. It’s best to call as soon as you can after you get the medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor.
What do you have to bring with you?
You’ll need to take the following to the appointment, if you can.
The medical certificate of cause of death. This is given to you by the doctor or hospital, or in some areas this may be sent directly to the local registry office.
The person’s birth certificate, if you have it.
Their NHS medical card, if available.
Any marriage or civil partnership certificates, if they had one.
A form of your own ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Don’t worry if you can’t find all of these. The main thing that’s needed is the medical certificate. The registrar will help with the rest.
What questions will the registrar ask?
The registrar will ask for some basic details about the person who died, including the following.
Their full name, and any other names they used.
Their date and place of birth.
Their last address.
Their job or occupation (even if retired).
Whether they were married or in a civil partnership, and their partner’s details.
The name and job of their husband, wife, or civil partner (if relevant).
They’ll also ask for your details, as the person registering the death. If you can, take some proof of address with you.
You can bring notes with you if you’re worried about remembering everything.
What happens after the registration?
Once the death is registered, the registrar will give you two official documents.
A death certificate. You can buy extra copies and you’ll usually need several for banks, pensions, and insurance.
A certificate for burial or cremation, often called the green form. This is given to the funeral director or person arranging the burial or cremation. You can start planning the funeral before registering, but you will need the certificate before it goes ahead.
You’ll also be told about a government service called Tell Us Once. This lets you report the death to most government departments all at once – things like HMRC, the DVLA, the Passport Office, and the Department for Work and Pensions. The registrar will either set this up during the appointment, or give you a code for you to set up later.
When you can’t register a death immediately
Sometimes, you can’t register the death straight away. This usually happens if the coroner needs to investigate the cause of death.
This can happen if:
the death was sudden or unexpected
the doctor isn’t sure what caused it
the person died in an accident or at work.
While the investigation is happening, you might be given an interim death certificate. This can be used to deal with practical matters like closing accounts or informing banks until the full registration can take place. The coroner’s office or the register office will explain what to do next.
Sometimes there are delays issuing a cause of death certificate even if a coroner isn’t involved. In these cases it’s usually considered that the 5 days to register the death start after the certificate is issued. Contact the register office if you are concerned about any delay.
Frequently asked questions about registering a death
Is registering the death a difficult experience?
It can feel emotional, but the process of registering a death is usually straightforward. The registrar will guide you through each step and fill in the forms for you. They understand that people are often upset and will give you time if you need it.
Can I bring someone with me? Are children allowed?
Yes, you can bring someone for support, and children are allowed in the appointment too. If you think it might be upsetting for a child, or take a while, it may be best to bring another adult who can sit with them.
Do I have to register the death in person?
Usually, yes. You’ll need to call the local register office if you are having problems getting there. It doesn’t have to be the next of kin who registers the death – it can be another relative or certain other people. The register office can clarify if your alternative choice is suitable.
What happens when someone dies abroad?
If someone dies outside the UK, you should register the death according to the regulations in the country where the person died. You’ll be given a local death certificate. This death certificate should be accepted in the UK. If it’s not in English, you need to have it translated by an approved translator. You can also optionally choose to register a death abroad with the UK authorities – if you do this the death will be recorded with the General Register Offices and a death record will be held in the UK. Read more about deaths abroad
How many death certificates should I get?
Many people get between 3 and 10 copies. You’ll need original copies of the death certificate to show or send to official organisations like banks, pension and insurance companies. You might have to send some off in the post, and although they should be returned to you, it can sometimes cause delays if you don’t have multiple copies. You can order extra copies later but it’s quicker and easier to buy them when you register the death.
Trustestate can help
Coping with the admin after someone dies is a challenging and overwhelming process and registering the death is just the first step. Trustestate can help. We offer a simple, streamlined service with expert support at every stage. Book a free call with one of our experts to find out more.
What we offer
Use our Probate and estate administration service and we’ll manage every stage of the process. We’ll take over all the admin, apply to the court for probate, and share out the estate.
Or if the estate is simple, and you have time, you can use our Grant of Probate only service, and we’ll apply for probate using information you provide.
Whichever service you choose, you’ll get dedicated advice every step of the way, and an online platform to keep track of everything.
