How to Register a Death

Registering a death is one of the first official steps after someone passes away. It can feel overwhelming, but this guide will walk you through exactly what to do—step by step, with kindness and clarity.

When to register

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.

Who can register a death

By priority, the following people can register:

• A relative of the person who died
• Someone present at the death
• An administrator from the hospital (if they died in hospital)
• The person making arrangements with the funeral directors

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.

Documents you'll need

Essential:

• Medical certificate of cause of death (signed by a doctor)

If available, also bring:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• NHS medical card
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
• Council tax bill

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.

How to book an appointment

You'll need to register at a register office, usually in the area where the person died. Here's how:

1. Find your local register office at www.gov.uk/register-offices
2. Call them or check their website for booking
3. Some offices allow walk-ins, but booking ensures you're seen quickly
4. The appointment usually takes about 30 minutes

Tip: Book as soon as you have the medical certificate. Appointments can fill up quickly, especially in busy areas.

What happens during the appointment

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:

• Full name (and any previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Last address
• Occupation (or former occupation if retired)
• Full name, date of birth, and occupation of surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were getting a state pension or benefits

The registrar will be kind and patient. They do this every day and understand it's a difficult time.

What you'll receive

After registering, you'll receive:

• Death certificate(s) - the official record
• Certificate for burial or cremation - the 'green form' needed by funeral directors
• Tell Us Once reference number - to notify government departments

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.

Costs

• Registering the death: Free
• Death certificates: £12.50 each in England and Wales (ordered at registration)
• Extra copies later: £12.50 each

Scotland and Northern Ireland have slightly different fees - check with your local register office.

Using Tell Us Once

After registering, you can use the government's Tell Us Once service. With one notification, you can inform:

• HMRC (tax)
• DWP (benefits and pensions)
• Passport Office
• DVLA (driving licence)
• Local council
• Veterans UK (if applicable)

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.