Register a death
Due to the current situation with coronavirus, it is not possible to book an appointment to register a death in person. Instead, death registrations will be carried out by telephone. For more information please read the advice on this page.
Birth registrations are currently on hold until further notice.
You must have a Medical Cause of Death Certificate (MCDC) from the doctor before you can register a death. If your GP surgery, hospital or hospice have already sent us a copy of the MCDC, along with your details, we will contact you to make the registration arrangements.
If you currently have a MCDC in your possession or the death has been referred to the coroner, please complete our online form. We will then contact you with the next steps.
The people who can register a death are:
- a relative of the deceased
- a person who was present at the death
- an administrator from the hospital where the person died
- a person arranging the funeral with the funeral director.
Is there a fee?
The registration service is free of charge.
There is a charge for buying copies of the death certificate. The registrar will discuss this with you on the phone.
What we need to know
When the registrar calls you, they will need to know some information about the person who has died and your relationship to them to be able to complete the death register.
Please read through our guidance (PDF, 64.4 KB) before they call.
What you will receive
After the registration entry is complete, the registrar will send you:
- a certificate for burial or cremation (form 9) a green form to give to the funeral director. If the death has been referred to the coroner and the funeral is a cremation, the equivalent form will be sent by the coroner to your funeral director
- a certificate of registration of death (BD8 form) a white form to be completed and sent by you, with any benefit or pension details to the Department of Work and Pensions.
You will need to produce a death certificate when you are arranging the finances of the person who has died.
You can buy copies of the death certificate for a small fee. These can be bought on the day of registration or after the registration process.
After someone dies you will need to notify many organisations and departments.
The Tell Us Once service can help you by telling most organisations on your behalf. Whilst your district council can provide you with support and advice for:
- funeral arrangements, including local funeral directors, cremations, burial costs, cemetery plot fees and memorials
- cemetery and burial ground records.