How to Register a Death in England and Wales
How do I register a death in England and Wales?
Register within 5 days at any registrar office in England/Wales. Who can register: relative, person present at death, hospital administrator, or funeral arranger. Bring: Medical Certificate (MCCD), deceased's birth/marriage certificates, NHS card, your ID. Free to register, death certificates £12.50 each (order 6-10 copies). Receive: death certificate and burial/cremation certificate (green form).
- 5-day deadline: Register within 5 days of death (England/Wales)—suspended if coroner involved or awaiting Medical Examiner review
- Who can register: Relative preferred, then person present at death, hospital admin, or funeral arranger
- Required documents: MCCD (from doctor/ME), deceased's birth/marriage certificates, NHS card, your photo ID
- Death certificate costs: Free to register, £12.50 per death certificate copy—order 6-10 for banks, insurers, HMRC, pension providers
- Certificates issued: Death certificate (legal proof) and Burial/Cremation Certificate (green form, free, needed for funeral)
- Book appointment: Online or phone local registrar office—can register at ANY office in England/Wales, not just where death occurred
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
Registration Requirements
In England and Wales, you must register a death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland), according to GOV.UK guidance. This includes weekends and bank holidays. Understanding the death registration process across the UK helps you navigate the differences between regions.
⚠️ If the death has been referred to the coroner, you cannot register it until the coroner's investigation is complete. More information is available on GOV.UK's coroner guidance.
Who Can Register a Death?
According to GOV.UK guidance, in priority order:
- A relative of the deceased
- Someone present at the death
- An administrator from the hospital
- The person making funeral arrangements
Documents You'll Need
According to GOV.UK's official guidance, you'll need the following documents:
- Medical certificate of cause of death (from the doctor)
- The deceased's birth certificate (if available)
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- NHS medical card (if available)
- Proof of address
- Your ID (passport or driving licence)
How to Book an Appointment
Online Booking
Many register offices now allow online booking. Use GOV.UK's register office finder to locate your local office and book an appointment.
Phone Booking
Call your local register office. Have the medical certificate ready as they may ask for details.
At the Appointment
When registering a death, the registrar will ask for information as outlined in Citizens Advice guidance on registering a death:
- The deceased's full name and any names previously used
- Date and place of birth
- Last address
- Occupation
- Whether they were receiving a pension or allowance
- If married, the full name and occupation of the surviving spouse
What You'll Receive
Death Certificate
The official death certificate. Order extra copies (£12.50 each) as you'll need them for banks, insurance, etc.
Certificate for Burial or Cremation
Also known as the "green form". Give this to the funeral director.
Tell Us Once Reference
A unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service to notify multiple government departments with a single notification.
Registration Fees
According to GOV.UK's certificate ordering guidance, the fees are:
- • Death registration: Free
- • First death certificate: £12.50
- • Additional copies at registration: £12.50 each
- • Copies ordered later: £12.50 plus admin fee
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.
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Understanding the MCCD, how to obtain it from doctors, and what to do if there are delays or complications.
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.
Who Can Register a Death
Clear guide to qualified informants who can legally register a death, priority order, and what to do in complex family situations.