Registering a death is typically done by a close relative of the person who has died. However, if no relatives are available, there are only certain people who can register a death. This includes a person:

• present when the person died
• who lives in the house where the person died
• arranging the funeral, but not a funeral director

Once you have made an appointment to register a death with the local registrar, it’s important to provide them with as much information about the deceased as possible. The most important piece of paperwork is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) provided by the hospital or GP stating the cause of death. Without this, you will not be able to register a death.

It will be helpful if you have the following documents with you:

• Birth Certificate
• Council Tax bill
• Driving License
• Passport
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate, if applicable
• NHS Medical Card
• Proof of address

• The full name of the person who died
• Their full home address
• Their date and place of birth
• Details of where and when the person died
• Their occupation, if applicable
• If they were receiving any benefits, including pensions or allowance from public funds
• The name, occupation and date of birth of their spouse or civil partner, if applicable

Registering the death is free, but you do have to pay for death certificates. The cost of a certified copy is currently £11.

The process of registering a death should take approximately 30 minutes.

After registering the death, you will be given a Certificate of Registration of Death and a number of other documents. These vary depending on where you are in the UK.

• Green Certificate for burial or cremation – this needs to be given to your Funeral Director
• Certificate of Registration of Death – You may need to fill this in and send it to the social security office for the area where the person died. If this is the case, the form will come with a pre-paid envelope so you know where to send it
• Death certificate – This will require a small fee and may be needed for legal or financial purposes

The Tell Us Once service will allow you to notify a person’s death to various government departments at the same time. Please note, the service isn’t available everywhere in the UK.

• Let you know if the service is available in your area
• Give you the phone number
• Give you a unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service online or by phone

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Passport Office
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
• The local council
• Veterans UK

If a loved one dies suddenly or unexpectedly, a coroner may be called to investigate the death. It is their duty to identify how, when and where the person died for official records, as well as for giving some level of understanding to friends and family of the deceased.

If this is the case, the death must be reported by the doctor, hospital or registrar to the coroner.

Unfortunately, this may delay your funeral plans as a post-mortem or inquest may need to take place. We will be able to help you should a coroner become involved.