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.
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).
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.
According to GOV.UK guidance, in priority order:
According to GOV.UK's official guidance, you'll need the following documents:
Many register offices now allow online booking. Use GOV.UK's register office finder to locate your local office and book an appointment.
Call your local register office. Have the medical certificate ready as they may ask for details.
When registering a death, the registrar will ask for information as outlined in Citizens Advice guidance on registering a death:
The official death certificate. Order extra copies (£12.50 each) as you'll need them for banks, insurance, etc.
Also known as the "green form". Give this to the funeral director.
A unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service to notify multiple government departments with a single notification.
According to GOV.UK's certificate ordering guidance, the fees are:
Everything you need to know about registering a death, including documents, timelines, and local registrars.
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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