Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
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
You need the MCCD before you can register the death
When Death Goes to the Coroner
Coroner issues different paperwork instead of MCCD
What to Do When Someone Dies at Home
GP will issue MCCD for expected deaths at home
What to Do When Someone Dies in Hospital
Hospital bereavement team arranges MCCD from doctor
Missing the Registration Deadline
MCCD delays are a valid reason for late registration
Correcting Death Certificate Errors
Medical certificate errors require doctor to issue corrected version
Register a Death in Scotland
Scottish MCCD requirements and Procurator Fiscal system
Registering During Bank Holidays
Getting MCCD during bank holiday periods can cause delays
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
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.