Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Prepare for Tell Us Once
The registrar will ask if you want to do Tell Us Once at the appointment. Tick off your NI number and benefits details beforehand so you're ready.
You must register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland). Book an appointment at your local register office and bring the medical certificate from the doctor and any ID you have for the deceased. The registrar will ask basic questions about the person, the appointment takes 30 minutes, and you'll receive death certificates and a green form for the funeral director.
Register a death within 5 days (8 in Scotland) at your local register office. Book an appointment, bring medical certificate and ID, and you'll receive death certificates in 30 minutes.
Order extra death certificates at registration - they cost £11 each now vs £11+ postage later. Most estates need 8-12 copies total.
According to GOV.UK, you must register a death within: 5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 8 days in Scotland
This includes weekends and bank holidays. If the death has been referred to the coroner, they'll tell you when you can register - this might be outside the usual timeframe.
By priority, the following people can register:
Usually, it's a close family member - a spouse, civil partner, or adult child. But if that's too difficult, another relative or friend can do it.
Essential:
If available, also bring:
Don't worry if you don't have everything - the registrar will work with what you have. The medical certificate is the only absolutely essential document.
You'll need to register at a register office, usually in the area where the person died. Here's how:
Tip: Book as soon as you have the medical certificate. Appointments can fill up quickly, especially in busy areas.
The registrar will ask you for information about the person who died. Don't worry if you don't know everything - they'll help you through it.
They'll ask about:
The registrar will be kind and patient. They do this every day and understand it's a difficult time.
After registering, you'll receive:
How many death certificates? Most people need 5-10 copies. Banks, insurance companies, and pension providers often need originals. It's cheaper to buy them now than order more later. For detailed guidance, check our guide on how many death certificates you need.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have slightly different fees - check with your local register office.
After registering, you can use the government's Tell Us Once service. With one notification, you can inform:
For more details on this process, see our guide on how Tell Us Once works.
The registrar will give you a unique reference number. You can use it online or by phone. It saves countless hours of difficult phone calls.
Specific requirements for death registration in England and Wales, including online booking and required documents.
Understanding the MCCD, how to obtain it from doctors, and what to do if there are delays or complications.
Complete guide to death registration in Scotland, including 8-day deadline, National Records procedures, and key differences from England/Wales.
Essential guide to GRONI death registration procedures, required documents, 5-day timeline, and how Northern Ireland differs from GB.
Clear guide to qualified informants who can legally register a death, priority order, and what to do in complex family situations.
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