Registering

Registering a Death

Whilst we will explain fully the procedure involved in registering a death, unfortunately we cannot do this for you. However, if you are alone or simply unsure about what to do, we can accompany you to the Registrar’s office.

Registration should take place prior to the funeral. In the case of cremation, the death must be registered before the funeral can take place.

The duty to provide particulars to the Registrar rests principally with a relative of the deceased. If no relative is available then the duty may be performed by any person present at the death, the occupier of the premises where the death took place or the person accepting responsibility for arranging the funeral

The procedure for registering a death is a straightforward question and answer interview conducted by the Registrar. The information required includes the following:

Confirmation of the date and place of death
The full name of the deceased (and the maiden name if the deceased was a married woman)
The date and place of birth of the deceased
The occupation of the deceased (and husband’s name and occupation if the deceased was a married woman or widow)
The usual address of the deceased
If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving spouse
In addition, the following documents should be taken to the registrar’s office:-
If applicable, the medical certificate of the cause of death (normally issued by the deceased’s doctor or by the hospital in which the death occurred)
The deceased’s National Health Service medical card, if available
The deceased’s birth certificate, if available
The deceased’s marriage certificate (if appropriate)

In certain areas you may have to make an appointment with the Registrar, there is a charge for additional copies of the death certificate.