Registering a death
Why do I need to register a death?
You are legally required to register a death. Doing so will provide you with documents needed to arrange the funeral and to deal with the deceased’s estate.
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When should a death be registered?
A death must normally be registered within five days, unless the Coroner is involved (in which case the Coroner’s Officer will advise you). You are strongly advised to contact the Register Office before attending, since many offices are only part-time and all operate an appointment system.
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Who can register the death?
In the event of a death, one of the following people, in order of preference, is legally required to register that death:
- a relative
- a person present at the death
- the occupier of the premises where the death occurred, (if he/she was aware of the death)
- the person arranging the funeral (this does not mean the funeral director).
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Where should a death be registered?
A death must be registered in the district where it occurred.
If it is not convenient to visit the Register Office for that District, details of the death may be given at any other Register Office in England and Wales by making a declaration.
In that case, the necessary documentation cannot be issued immediately, but will be sent by the relevant office upon receipt of the declaration.
This may cause a delay to the funeral arrangements.
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What documents are required by the Registrar?
You must take with you the medical certificate of cause of death issued by the GP or hospital doctor who was treating the deceased, unless the Coroner is holding a post mortem or inquest.
In addition, it is often useful to take the deceased’s birth certificate, NHS medical card and marriage certificate (where appropriate).
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What information will the Registrar ask for?
The Registrar will ask for the deceased’s following details:
- date and place of death
- full names (including maiden surname where appropriate)
- date and place of birth
- occupation, where appropriate
- full names, date of birth and occupation of spouse/late spouse or civil partner/late civil partner, where relevant
- usual address
- whether or not the deceased was receiving any pensions or allowances from public funds.
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What will it cost?
There is no charge to register a death. You will be charged only for any certificates which you request.
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What documents will I receive?
The Registrar will issue two documents for specific purposes:
- the certificate for burial or cremation (green form). This must be handed to the funeral director so that arrangements can be made for the funeral to take place. In certain circumstances a form will be issued by the Coroner
- Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 344 or BD8). This is for DSS purposes. It should be completed and sent to the local DSS office as directed.
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Why do I need to purchase death certificates?
If requested by you, the Registrar will issue you with certified copies of the register entry, at a fee of £3.50 each.
Certified copies of the register entry are usually needed to deal with the deceased’s estate. They are needed for the following purposes:
- Probate or Letters of Administration
- bank and building society accounts
- the deceased’s life insurance policies
- dealing with the deceased’s stocks and shares
This is not an exhaustive list, there are many other purposes for which a death certificate may be required.
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