Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
What is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death?
The MCCD is issued by a doctor who attended last illness, saw deceased within 14 days, and viewed body after death. Issued within 1-2 days (hospital) or by GP (home/care). Required to register death—funeral cannot proceed without it. Since April 2024, Medical Examiner reviews all MCCDs (adds 2-3 days). Collect from hospital bereavement office or GP surgery.
- What it is: Legal document from doctor confirming cause of death, required for registration
- Who issues: Doctor who attended last illness, saw deceased within 14 days, viewed body
- Timeline: 1-2 working days (hospital), similar for GP (home/care home)
- Medical Examiner: Since April 2024, ME reviews all MCCDs (adds 2-3 days)
- Collection: Hospital bereavement office or GP surgery
- Delays: Coroner referral, doctor unavailable, medical records review needed
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
What is an MCCD?
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a legal document issued by a doctor that confirms the cause of death. You need this certificate to register the death.
Who Can Issue an MCCD?
The MCCD must be issued by a doctor who:
- Attended the deceased during their last illness
- Saw the deceased within 14 days before death (28 days in Northern Ireland)
- Viewed the body after death
How to Obtain the Certificate
Death in Hospital
The hospital bereavement office will arrange for the doctor to complete the MCCD. You can usually collect it within 1-2 working days.
Death at Home
Contact the GP surgery. The GP who attended the deceased will complete the MCCD. You may need to collect it from the surgery.
Death in Care Home
The care home will contact the GP. The certificate will be sent to the care home or GP surgery for collection.
What If There Are Delays?
Delays can occur if:
- The doctor needs to review medical records
- The death must be referred to the coroner
- The doctor is unavailable
If you experience delays, contact the bereavement office or GP surgery for an update.
Medical Examiner Review
Since 2024, most deaths in England and Wales are reviewed by a medical examiner before the MCCD is issued. This is to ensure accuracy and may add 1-2 days to the process.
When the Coroner Gets Involved
The death must be referred to the coroner if:
- The cause of death is unknown
- The death was sudden or unexpected
- The death may be due to an accident or injury
- The death occurred during surgery or anaesthetic
- The death may be due to industrial disease
If referred to the coroner, they will issue the necessary paperwork instead of the doctor.
Related Guides
How to Register a Death in the UK
Everything you need to know about registering a death, including documents, timelines, and local registrars.
How to Register a Death in England and Wales
Specific requirements for death registration in England and Wales, including online booking and required documents.
Death Certificate: How Many Copies?
Learn how many death certificate copies you need, who requires originals vs copies, and how to order them.
How to Register a Death in Scotland
Complete guide to death registration in Scotland, including 8-day deadline, National Records procedures, and key differences from England/Wales.
How to Register a Death in Northern Ireland
Essential guide to GRONI death registration procedures, required documents, 5-day timeline, and how Northern Ireland differs from GB.