How to Obtain a Death Certificate

A death certificate is the official document that records a person’s passing, and it plays a vital role in handling the legal and financial matters that follow. In the UK, it is a legal requirement to register a death and obtain a certificate before many practical steps, such as arranging a funeral, closing bank accounts or applying for probate.

The process can feel daunting if you’ve never dealt with it before, but it’s straightforward once you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll explain how to obtain a death certificate in the UK, how to order copies, how much they cost, and how long it takes to receive one.

What is a Death Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

A death certificate is the official record issued by the registrar once a death has been formally registered. It confirms the details of the deceased, including:

• Their name
• Date of birth
• Date and place of death
• The cause of death as provided by a doctor

This document acts as legal proof that someone has died. You will need it for many practical matters, including:

• Funeral arrangements: most funeral directors require a death certificate before plans can proceed.
• Financial tasks: such as closing bank accounts, claiming life insurance or accessing pensions.
• Legal processes: including probate, handling property and settling estates.

In many cases, one certificate is not enough. Families often find they need multiple original copies, as banks, pension providers and insurance companies usually request to see an original version rather than a photocopy. For this reason, many people order several copies at the time of registration.

How to Acquire a Death Certificate in the UK

The first step in obtaining a death certificate is to register the death. This must usually be done within five days (or eight days in Scotland) at the local register office in the district where the person died.

Once the registrar records the details, you can apply for a death certificate at the same time. This is the official document for legal, financial and funeral matters.

Is the Funeral Director Responsible for Requesting a Death Certificate?

Funeral directors are not responsible for registering the death or applying for the certificate. However, they play an important guiding role. Many will advise families on how to acquire a death certificate, how many copies are needed, and the documents required to complete the process.

Who Can Apply for a Death Certificate?

Typically, a close relative of the deceased registers the death and applies for the certificate. However, others who were present at the death or are arranging the funeral can also apply if necessary. Later on, anyone with a valid reason (such as dealing with an estate) can acquire a certified copy through the General Register Office (GRO).

How Can I Get a Copy of a Death Certificate?

Sometimes families find they need more certificates, or they may misplace the original. If this happens, it’s straightforward to request another.

Where Can You Get a Death Certificate?

• Order online via the GRO: this is the official government service for England and Wales. You’ll need details such as the full name of the deceased, date and place of death, and ideally the GRO index reference number.
• Contact the local register office: if you prefer, you can request extra copies directly from the office where the death was registered.
• Scotland and Northern Ireland: In Scotland, certificates are available through the National Records of Scotland; in Northern Ireland, through the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI).

If the original is lost or damaged, you don’t need to worry. Follow the same process to get a copy of a death certificate. There is no limit on how many times you can request one.

How Much is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate costs £12.50 per copy in England and Wales. Prices are similar in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though fees may vary slightly depending on the local authority.

It is often recommended to order several copies at the time of registration. Although the cost can add up, it is often more convenient (and sometimes quicker) than requesting them later.

Having these documents ready ensures you can deal with financial and legal matters without unnecessary delays, something that can help ease the stress during an already difficult time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate?

The answer to how long it takes to get a death certificate depends on when and how you request it:

• At the time of registration: in most cases, you’ll receive the death certificate immediately after registering the death at the local register office. This is the quickest way to obtain it.
• Ordering extra copies later: if you request additional copies after registration, it may take a few days for them to arrive by post, depending on the local office’s processing times.
• Online orders through the General Register Office (GRO): standard orders can take up to 15 working days, though a priority service is usually available for an extra fee.

Because some organisations require the certificate before they can release funds or close accounts, it’s a good idea to order the number of copies you need at the time of registration to avoid delays later.

What Happens if There is an Inquest?

In some cases, a death cannot be registered immediately because it has been referred to a coroner. This usually happens if the cause of death is unclear, sudden or potentially linked to an accident. The coroner may decide that an inquest (a formal investigation into the circumstances of the death) is needed.

When this happens, you will not receive a full death certificate straight away. Instead, the coroner can issue an interim death certificate (sometimes called an interim certificate of the fact of death). This document allows families to begin practical arrangements such as:

• Proceeding with funeral plans
• Informing employers or organisations
• Beginning to settle financial affairs

Once the inquest has concluded, the coroner will notify the registrar, and a full death certificate can then be issued.

Although this process can take longer than a straightforward registration, the interim certificate ensures families are not left in limbo and can still move forward with urgent arrangements.

How Do I Request a Death Certificate if the Person Died Abroad?

If someone passes away overseas, the death must be registered in the country where it happened. You can then usually request a local death certificate. If you need an English version, you may also be able to register the death with the UK authorities through the nearest British embassy or consummate. In some cases, you can apply for a certificate to be placed on record at the GRO.

Registering a death is the first step in the process, and obtaining the death certificate is essential for everything that follows. From closing bank accounts to arranging the funeral, this document provides the official proof needed to manage legal, financial and personal matters.