How do I register a death in the UK?
To register a death in the UK, you need to bring the medical certificate stating the cause of death to your local register.
You should also try to bring the following documents relating to the deceased. This will make the process easier: Birth certificate, driving license, NHS card, Council Tax bill, marriage or civil, partnership certificate, National Insurance number, passport number, proof of address.
Frequently asked questions
When someone dies, it is usually up to the next of kin to apply for the death certificate. In the case of married couples or those in a civil partnership, it usually means that person’s husband or wife. It could also fall to a parent, child or other close relative.
The cost of a copy of a death certificate varies across the UK. In England and Wales, the copy costs £11. In Scotland it costs £12 online and in Northern Ireland it starts from £8.
When you register a death in England, it’s best to use the deceased person’s local register office. You may use a register office in another area, but the paperwork may take longer and delay funeral arrangements.
In the UK, a death needs to be registered at the deceased person’s local register office within five days. It can be delayed by a further nine days if the registrar is informed that a medical certificate has been issued. If the death has been reported to the coroner, you cannot register until the inquiry is finished.
Legally, only a doctor can sign the death certificate and provide the medical cause of death. If an attending physician is not available, another medical examiner may sign the death certificate. In cases where the death is reportable, an investigation will be completed by the coroner, who will arrange for the death certificate to be signed.
When someone dies, it is usually up to the next of kin to apply for the death certificate. In the case of married couples or those in a civil partnership, it usually means that person’s husband or wife. It could also fall to a parent, child or other close relative.
The cost of a copy of a death certificate varies across the UK. In England and Wales, the copy costs £11. In Scotland it costs £12 online and in Northern Ireland it starts from £8.
When you register a death in England, it’s best to use the deceased person’s local register office. You may use a register office in another area, but the paperwork may take longer and delay funeral arrangements.
In the UK, a death needs to be registered at the deceased person’s local register office within five days. It can be delayed by a further nine days if the registrar is informed that a medical certificate has been issued. If the death has been reported to the coroner, you cannot register until the inquiry is finished.
Legally, only a doctor can sign the death certificate and provide the medical cause of death. If an attending physician is not available, another medical examiner may sign the death certificate. In cases where the death is reportable, an investigation will be completed by the coroner, who will arrange for the death certificate to be signed.
More on registering a death in the UK
