Registering a Death

Everything you need to know

When someone dies, you will need to register the death. After the death has been registered, you will be given/sent all the necessary paperwork required to arrange the funeral. If you are unsure about the procedure of registering a death in the UK, please call us and we can talk you through all the steps.

Frequently asked questions

The death must be registered by one of the following individuals:

  • A close surviving relative of the deceased, usually a spouse, child or parent.

  • A person present at the moment of death.

  • An occupant of the house in which the person died.

  • An appointed official from the nursing home or hospice in which they are a patient or resident.

  • A person who is making arrangements with the funeral director usually the executor of the deceased persons estate.

Most deaths are registered by a close relative, the registrar would normally only allow other people to do so if there are no living relatives available. 

There are several important documents and pieces of information that you will need in order to register the death. The documents that are required are as follows:

  • The medical certificate of the cause of death signed by the deceased persons GP or by a doctor who cared for them during their last illness.

  • If available the deceased’s birth certificate, marriage certificate and NHS medical card should also be presented.​

Facts and information that are required:

  • The persons full name at the time of death.

  • Any names previously used including maiden surname.

  • The persons date, town and country of birth.

  • The persons last address.

  • The persons current or former occupation.

  • The full name, date of birth and occupation of any surviving spouse or civil partner.

  • Details of any state pension and any other welfare benefits in which the person was in receipt.​

What documents will be issued by the registrar:

If there is no investigation being conducted by HM coroner and there is to be no post-mortem investigation the registrar will issue the following documents:

 

  • A certified copy of entry into the registrar of death (the death certificate) this will be required for handling administrative affairs relating to the deceased estate such as banking and life insurance policies.

  •  A certificate for burial or cremation (the green form) this gives permission for the body to be buried or to apply for the body to be cremated. This form must be handed to the funeral director as quickly as possible. 

  • A certificate of registration of death (form BD8) this is issued for social security purposes if the person was in receipt of a state pension or benefit. 

In some circumstances HM coroner will issue special documents permitting the burial or cremation of the body. If this is required, your funeral director will be able to advise you on any administrative and legal obligations and will be able to handle any necessary arrangements with the relevant authorities. 

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