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.
This guide has not been checked against its sources
We re-checked our most-read guides against GOV.UK and the other official sources in September 2026. This one was not among them, so nobody has confirmed its figures, deadlines or process steps since it was written. Treat it as a starting point and confirm anything that matters on GOV.UK before you act on it.
First, a doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death. In England and Wales it goes to a medical examiner for independent review and then to the registrar — you never collect it or take it anywhere. Once the medical examiner's office tells you the registrar has it, register the death within 5 days (in Scotland, 8 days from the date of death) at the local register office. Arrange the funeral with a funeral director or DIY approach. Notify banks, employers, and government departments using Tell Us Once. Apply for probate if the estate exceeds bank thresholds (usually £5,000-£50,000). Claim bereavement benefits if eligible. Throughout, take care of yourself—support services are available.
In England and Wales you must register the death within 5 days of the registrar being notified of the cause of death by the medical examiner (8 days from the date of death in Scotland), arrange the funeral, notify relevant organisations using Tell Us Once, and deal with the estate. Here's exactly what to do step-by-step.
Use Tell Us Once to notify multiple government departments at once - saves calling each separately. Available at register office or online after registering the death.
This is the very first step in the process, and in England and Wales it happens without you. Since 9 September 2024 the certificate goes from the doctor to a medical examiner for independent review, and the medical examiner notifies the registrar directly — it is never handed to the family. According to NHS guidance, if the person died in hospital, staff will usually issue the certificate automatically. If the death happened at home, contact their GP or the emergency services. Once a doctor has completed the certificate it goes to the medical examiner, whose office will ring you, explain the cause of death, answer your questions and tell you when the registrar has been notified. That call is your cue to book the registration appointment. In Scotland there is no medical examiner: the certificate goes straight to the registrar, and deaths needing investigation are reported to the Procurator Fiscal rather than a coroner.
In the UK, according to GOV.UK's official guidance, a death must be registered within 5 days (8 in Scotland). In England and Wales those 5 days run from the "relevant date" — the day the registrar is notified of the cause of death by the medical examiner, or the day a coroner discontinues — not from the date of death. You'll need to make an appointment with the local register office in the area where the person died. Take ID documents like a passport or birth certificate if available; you do not bring the medical certificate, as the registrar already has the cause of death. The registrar will give you:
Registering the death is free, but according to Citizens Advice, there's a charge for copies of the certificate (typically £12.50 each).
Planning the funeral can feel emotional and urgent. Start by checking if the deceased left any wishes—in a will, letter, or even a conversation. Did they want a burial or cremation? A religious service? A direct cremation with no ceremony? Some people have pre-paid plans. If not, a funeral director can walk you through the options. They'll typically need the death certificate and your preferences.
If money is tight, don't worry. You can explore simpler options or apply for help (see below). Farra can support you with templates and suggestions.
Once the death is registered, it's time to let organisations know. This can feel endless. Start with the Tell Us Once service, which informs government bodies like:
Then notify others: banks, utilities, landlords, insurers, subscription services, care providers. A checklist and a clear script for each organisation can speed this up.
You can use the Tell Us Once service to notify multiple government departments simultaneously.
If the person left a will, the executor applies for probate—legal authority to manage their affairs. This means closing accounts, selling assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritances. If there's no will, a close relative can apply for letters of administration. The process is similar but takes a little longer.
You can do this yourself online or get help from a solicitor. Farra's guide shows you which forms to use and what to expect.
Not sure whether probate is even needed? The do I need probate checker gives you a quick, personalised steer in about two minutes.
Funerals can be expensive. If you're struggling, you might qualify for help from the government:
Farra’s checklist helps you check eligibility and apply for support.
The admin matters. But so do you. You’re allowed to pause, to grieve, to ask for help. Farra can keep track of tasks and send gentle reminders later. You can also share responsibilities with friends and family. Take time for yourself. Support groups, counselling, and simply resting all matter. You’re not alone.
For a full checklist, contact details and what to say, and tailored guidance—create a free Farra account. Coming soon!
Farra makes death admin manageable, providing clear checklists, reminders, and support at every stage.
Download your free checklist →A doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death. In England and Wales it goes to a medical examiner for independent review and then to the registrar; you never collect it or take it to the register office. Once the medical examiner's office tells you the registrar has been notified, register the death within 5 days of that point (in Scotland, 8 days from the date of death). Contact a funeral director to arrange the funeral, and inform close family and friends. These immediate steps form the foundation for all subsequent death administration tasks.
In England and Wales you have 5 days, counted from the relevant date — the day the registrar is notified of the cause of death by the medical examiner, or the day a coroner discontinues — rather than from the date of death. Northern Ireland allows 5 days and Scotland 8 days, both from the date of death. This includes weekends and bank holidays. The registrar will give you the death certificate, a certificate for burial or cremation, and a Tell Us Once reference number.
Tell Us Once is a free government service that allows you to notify multiple government departments of a death with one report. It informs HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, local council and Veterans UK. The registrar provides a unique reference number you can use online or by phone, saving hours of individual notifications.
Most funerals take place 2-3 weeks after death, allowing time for planning and for family to arrange travel. There is no legal deadline. Some faiths have specific timeframes - for example, Muslim and Jewish burials typically occur within 24-48 hours. Contact a funeral director as soon as practical to discuss options and timing.
Probate is needed if the estate is worth more than £5,000-£50,000 (varies by institution) and includes assets like property or significant savings. If there's a will, the executor applies for Grant of Probate. Without a will, a close relative applies for Letters of Administration. The process typically takes 8-12 weeks.
Bereavement Support Payment provides £3,500-£9,800 over 18 months for surviving spouses. Funeral Expenses Payment helps those on certain benefits cover funeral costs. You may also be able to release funds from the deceased's bank account to pay funeral bills. Contact DWP to check eligibility within the first few weeks.
Notify government departments via Tell Us Once (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office), banks and building societies, insurance companies, pension providers, utility companies (gas, electricity, water), council tax office, landlord/mortgage lender, employer/benefits office, mobile phone/broadband providers, subscriptions (Netflix, gym), and GP surgery. Use Tell Us Once first to cover multiple government departments with one report.
In England and Wales you do not bring the medical certificate of cause of death — the medical examiner has already sent the cause of death to the registrar. Take the deceased's birth certificate (if available), marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable), NHS medical card, and proof of address. The registrar will accept photocopies. Take your own ID too. These documents are helpful but not essential.
Registering a death is free. However, death certificate copies cost £12.50 each (prices as of 2026). You'll need multiple copies for banks, insurance, probate - order at least 5-10 copies at registration as they're more expensive to get later (£35+ per copy). The burial/cremation certificate is also free.
No, you cannot register a death online in the UK. You must attend the register office in person or by phone appointment in some areas. The registrar needs to verify documents and your identity. However, you can book the appointment online via your local council website. After registration, you can use Tell Us Once service online.
Failing to register within the legal window — 5 days from the relevant date in England and Wales, 8 days from the date of death in Scotland — is a criminal offence and can result in a fine. You cannot arrange a funeral without the death certificate and burial/cremation certificate. Banks won't release funds, probate can't proceed, and benefits continue being paid (which must be repaid). Always register within the legal timeframe.
The executor named in the will has first right to arrange the funeral. If there's no will: spouse/civil partner, then children, then parents, then siblings. Anyone can arrange a funeral if the legal next of kin gives permission. You don't need probate to arrange a funeral - it happens before probate. Funeral directors will ask for proof you're authorized.
Banks can release funds from the deceased's account to pay funeral directors (typically up to £5,000-£15,000 depending on bank). Provide the death certificate and funeral director invoice. If there's life insurance, request a fast-track payout for funeral costs. Apply for Funeral Expenses Payment if on benefits. Some people use own savings and claim back from estate later.
Call the deceased's GP or out-of-hours doctor service to verify the death. A doctor then completes the medical certificate of cause of death and, in England and Wales, sends it to a medical examiner for review; it does not come to you. If death was expected, no need to call 999. If unexpected, call 999 and police will attend. Notify close family. Contact a funeral director who will collect the body (usually within 24 hours). Keep the home secure and safe until property is dealt with.
Most UK funerals happen 2-3 weeks after death. This allows time to register death (5 days deadline), arrange funeral, and for family to travel. There's no legal deadline for holding a funeral. Muslim and Jewish funerals typically occur within 24-48 hours for religious reasons. Crematorium/burial ground availability affects timing - book 1-2 weeks ahead minimum.