How to Register a Death in the UK

When someone passes away, one of the first legal responsibilities is to register their death. In the UK, this is a formal process that records the death with local authorities and allows you to proceed with funeral arrangements. While it may feel overwhelming during an already difficult time, understanding the steps involved can make the process much easier.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to register a death in the UK. From whom is allowed to register a death and where it should be done, to what documents you’ll need and how long you have to complete the process, we’ll cover the most common questions families ask.

By knowing what to expect, you can approach this important task with confidence and ensure everything is handled correctly and without unnecessary stress.

Why You Need to Register a Death

Registering a death is the official process of recording someone’s passing with local authorities. This is a legal requirement in the UK to ensure the death is formally recognised in government records. Without registration, it isn’t possible to arrange the funeral, deal with the estate or close financial accounts.

It’s important to understand the difference between registering a death and receiving a death certificate. Registration is the act of providing the necessary information to the registrar, while the death certificate is the legal document you receive afterwards as proof of death. Many organisations, such as banks, insurers, and pension providers, will require an official death certificate before they can act.

The process of registering a death in the UK is usually straightforward once you have the required documents.

How Do You Register a Death in the UK?

The process for registering a death is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Contact the local register office: this must be the office in the district where the death occurred. You can find contact details on your local council’s website.
2. Book an appointment: registrations are usually done by appointment only, so arrange a suitable time as soon as possible.
3. Provide the necessary documents and information: you’ll need the medical certificate of cause of death, plus any supporting document, if available. The registrar will also ask for details such as the deceased’s full name, date and place of birth, occupation and address.
4. Register the death: during the appointment, the registrar will record all the information and complete the registration.
5. Receive the documents: once complete you’ll be given:
   1. A death certificate (you may wish to purchase several copies for official use)
   2. The certificate for burial or cremation, which allows the funeral to go ahead.
   3. A BD8 form (in some cases) to notify the Department for Work and Pensions.

Who Can Register a Death?

Not everyone is legally allowed to register a death. In the UK, there is a clear order of priority that determines who can take on this responsibility. Generally, the person most closely related to the deceased is expected to register the death.

Those who can register a death include:

• A close relative of the person who has died (spouse, civil partner, parent, child or sibling)
• Someone present at the time of death
• A person responsible for arranging the funeral

In certain cases, a hospital administrator or care home manager could register the death if it occurred in their facility.

If no relatives are available, another person with knowledge of the death could be allowed to register it, provided they have the necessary information about the deceased.

Understanding who can register a death ensures the process is handled smoothly and without delays, particularly if multiple people are involved in supporting the arrangements.

Where Do You Register a Death?

A death must be registered at the local register office in the district where the person passed away, not necessarily where the deceased or their family lived. Each local authority has its own register office, and you’ll need to contact them directly to book an appointment.

If you cannot attend the register office in that district, you may be able to go to a different one and complete what’s known as a ‘registration by declaration’. In this case, you provide the necessary details at your chosen office, and the information is then forwarded to the correct district. This may cause a delay in receiving the official documents, so it’s always best to register in the district where the death occurred.

Can You Register a Death Online in the UK?

Registration must normally be completed in person at the local register office. This requirement ensures that all the details are recorded accurately and that the necessary documents, such as the death certificate, are issued correctly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary emergency measures allowed some deaths to be registered by telephone to reduce in-person contact. However, these exceptions were withdrawn once restrictions eased, and the process has returned to being face-to-face.

There have been discussions about making certain aspects of death registration more accessible digitally. While it’s not currently possible to register fully online, local councils and the NHS are increasingly moving towards digital systems for certificates and records, so changes may be seen in the years ahead.

What Documents Do You Need to Register a Death?

The most important document is the medical certificate of cause of death, issued by the doctor who confirmed the death. Without this, the registrar cannot proceed.

In addition, you should bring as many of the following supporting documents as possible:

• Birth certificate of the deceased
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• NHS medical card or number
• Driving licence or passport

If you don’t have all of these, don’t worry – the registrar can still complete the registration if you have the medical certificate of cause of death. The additional documents help ensure that the details recorded are accurate.

How Long Do You Have to Register a Death?

There are clear timeframes for registering a death in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the death should normally be registered within five days, while in Scotland, it’s eight days.

There are exceptions to the standard deadlines. If the death has been reported to a coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland), the registration may be delayed until any necessary investigation or post-mortem examination is complete. In these cases, the registrar will advise you when you can proceed.

Can You Arrange a Funeral Before Registering the Death?

You can make some initial enquiries to arrange a funeral before registering the death, such as contacting a funeral director, discussing options, or notifying family members, but most of the formal arrangements cannot move forward until the death is registered.

This is because the registrar issues a certificate for burial or cremation, often called the ‘green form’. Funeral directors need this before a burial or cremation can legally take place. Without it, the service cannot proceed.

That said, families can begin certain aspects of planning, such as choosing a venue, considering music or readings, or gathering personal touches for the ceremony. But the registration step must be completed before any final dates are confirmed.

This is one reason many people choose to take out a prepaid funeral plan. By setting out your wishes and covering the costs in advance, your family avoids much of the uncertainty and stress at the time of need. With the key details already decided, loved ones only need to focus on registration and the final arrangements, knowing everything is in place.

Costs Involved in Registering a Death

Registering a death itself is free of charge. There is no fee for the appointment or for completing the registration with the local authority. However, most families will need to purchase more than one official death certificate. Each copy usually costs around £12.50 in England and Wales, with similar costs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Requesting multiple copies at the time of registration can be useful, as many organisations require an original certificate before they will update their records. Having several on hand can save delays and reduce the need to order additional copies later at a higher cost.

The process of registering a death can feel like a daunting task at an already emotional time, so it can help to know what’s required of you to help you move forward confidently and without additional stress.

For those thinking ahead, making plans in advance can ease much of the administrative burden for your loved ones. A prepaid funeral plan with a trusted provider such as Golden Leaves allows you to set out your wishes and cover key costs in advance, giving you and your family peace of mind.