DeathsI need to register a death - what should I do?
When you have suffered a bereavement it is very difficult to know what to do first. The following information is designed to assist you in registering the death and to answer your immediate questions. Please telephone the office if you wish to, and our experienced staff will do all they can to help you at this time. Contact details.
F.A.Q.s
Usually, it is the closest relative who will register the death. There are other people who may register a death, contact the Register Office for further information.
The death must be registered within the district it occurred. However if you are unable to visit the Register Office in that district, you may go to any Register Office in England or Wales. This is called registering a death by declaration and the Registrar who sees you will forward the information you give to the relevant Registration District.
In this case the authority allowing the funeral director to proceed with arrangements, and any death certificates you may require, will be sent to you by post.
Please note that registering a death by declaration can take longer than registering directly with the district in which the death occurred. Thi may, in turn, result in a delay in receiving the certificates necessary to allow the funeral to take place. If you choose to use this facility, please contact the Register Office in advance for further information.
To register a death or if you require further information contact the Register Office.
Every death should normally be registered within five days (unless a coroner is investigating the circumstances leading to a death).
The Registrar will need to know the following information:
- the date and place of death
- the deceased's last (usual) address
- the deceased's full name(s) and surname (and the maiden surname)
- the deceased's date and place of birth (town and county if born in the UK, and country if born abroad)
- the deceased's occupation and the name and occupation of their spouse, and of previous spouse(s) as appropriate
- whether the deceased was receiving a pension or allowance from public funds
- if the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower
- other statistical information
You will need to produce the following documents to the Registrar:
- A Medical certificate of the cause of death (issued by the doctor who certified the death)
- the deceased's NHS medical card (if available)
- any pension book, certificate or documents relating to any pension or benefits that the deceased was receiving from public funds
- it is also useful if you have the deceased's birth and, if applicable, their marriage certificate(s) to hand; although these documents are not essential, provided you are able to supply the correct information
- if the death has been referred to the Coroner, the Coroner may issue another certificate direct to the Register office. The Registrar will need this certificate before the death can be registered. In cases where the death has been referred to the Coroner, it is always advisable to contact the Register office before attending any appointment you may have made
The Registrar will give you the following documents free of charge:
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation. This is known as the green form and gives permission for the body to be buried or cremated. It should be delivered to the funeral director so that the funeral can be held. However if the death has been referred to the Coroner, forms may be issued from his office that will replace the above.
- Leaflets about dealing with the death/widows benefits/Income tax for widows.
- A Certificate of Registration of Death (white form known as a BD8). This is for Social Security purposes only. Read the information on the certificate and if anything applies, fill in the certificate and send it, or hand it in, to your Social Security Office.
Registration of the death is free but if you require a copy of the death certificates the following fees are charged:
- £3.50 for a death certificate (when issued from the register currently in use)
- £7.00 for a death certificate (when issued from vault deposited registers)
You may need a death certificate for the Will and for any pension claims, insurance policies, bank accounts and premium bonds. It is easier to purchase these copies at the time you visit the Registrar but they will be available if further copies are required at a later date.
An appointment system is used to assist you at this distressing time and be assured that our staff will make every effort to ensure your visit here is as simple and straightforward as possible. Please telephone before attending the office to book a suitable date and time.
If you require any further information, or would like to make an appointment please contact the Register Office.
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