Registering a Death
How to register a death in England and Wales, including what documents you need and timescales.
Overview
When someone dies in England or Wales, their death must be registered within 5 days at the register office for the area where the death occurred. Registration is free. You will need a medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) from the doctor. In some cases, the coroner must be informed first.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves registering a death.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Obtain the medical certificate
The doctor who attended the deceased during their last illness will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This states the cause of death. If the death is reported to the coroner, the coroner will issue their own certificate after investigation.
- If the death occurred in hospital, the hospital will arrange the MCCD
- The death must be reported to the coroner if the cause is unknown, violent, unnatural, during surgery, or the deceased was not seen by a doctor within 28 days before death
Register the death
Take the MCCD to the register office in the area where the death occurred. An appointment may be needed. The registrar will ask about the deceased: full name, date/place of birth, occupation, address, NHS number, and marital status. The informant (person registering) should be a relative, someone present at death, or the occupier of the premises.
- You can register in person or, in some areas, by telephone/video call since 2024
- Bring the deceased's birth certificate, marriage certificate, and NHS medical card if available
Obtain death certificates
The registrar will give you a free certificate for burial or cremation (the 'green form') and a form for DWP (BD8). You can buy certified copies of the death certificate — you will need several for banks, insurers, pension providers, and probate.
- Certified copies cost £11 each — order several at registration as it is cheaper than ordering later
- You need at least 3-4 copies: bank, pension, insurance, probate
Tell Us Once
The registrar will offer to use the 'Tell Us Once' service to notify multiple government departments of the death in one go, including DWP, HMRC, Passport Office, DVLA, and the local council.
- This saves you contacting each department separately
- You will still need to contact banks, insurers, and private organisations yourself
Costs
Important Warnings
If you miss the 5-day deadline, you may need to explain the delay to the registrar. After 12 months, registration requires the Registrar General's authority.
If the coroner is involved, registration may be delayed until the coroner's investigation is complete.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the registering a death process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Usually within 1-3 days"; "Within 5 days of the death"; "At registration appointment"; "At registration or shortly after". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Registration — Free; Certified copy of death certificate — £11 each. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: If you miss the 5-day deadline, you may need to explain the delay to the registrar. After 12 months, registration requires the Registrar General's authority.; If the coroner is involved, registration may be delayed until the coroner's investigation is complete.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: GOV.UK — Register a death; GOV.UK — What to do when someone dies. Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.