How do I register a death?

When should a death be registered?
A death should be registered within five days unless the Registrar says that this period may be extended. Please contact the Register Office if there is any anticipated delay.

Where can a death be registered?
The Coroner.
What information will the Registrar ask me for?
Documents to bring with you.
What documents will be issued by the Registrar?
How much will the certificate cost?
Probate.
Cruse Bereavement Care.

Where can a death be registered?
A death must be registered in the district where the death occurred. If this is not possible you can go to any other Register Office in England and Wales to make a Declaration of Particulars of the death. In that case it is important to note that the documents necessary for the funeral to proceed will be issued by post and this may cause some delays in making funeral arrangements. The form 344 for Social Security purposes and any death certificates will also be sent by post.

If the death occurred in the District of Telford and Wrekin you are able to register the address at our Wellington address (see contacts section). A domiciliary service is available under exceptional circumstances.

The Coroner.
In certain circumstances the death will have to be reported to the Coroner by the Doctor or by the Registrar. The Coroner will do one of three things.

• He will decide that no action is necessary and inform the Registrar to proceed with the registration accordingly. Or,
• He will decide to hold a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death. In this case he will issue a form to the Registrar instead of a medical certificate, which will give the cause of death and the authority to the Registrar to proceed. Or,
• He will decide to hold an inquest. Further information will be given to you by the Coroner's Officers about proceedings in this situation.

Who can register a death?
The people legally allowed to register a death are, in order of preference:

• a relative;
• a person present at a death;
• the occupier of the premises where a death occurred if he/she were aware of the death. This would mean a senior representative of any establishment such as a nursing home or hospital. If the death occurred in a house then any person who either owns it or is liable for the rent of the whole house or for the part in which the death occurred;
• the person responsible for arranging the funeral. This is not the funeral director but the person instructing him.

What information will the Registrar ask me for?

• The date and place of death.
• The forename(s) and surname of the deceased, and, where the deceased was a woman who had been married, her maiden name.
• The date and place of birth of the deceased.
• The occupation, and if the deceased was married or widowed or had a civil partner, the full name and occupation of their wife or husband.
• The usual address of the deceased.
• If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving spouse.
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension from public funds (e.g.) if they or their spouse was employed by a Government Department or armed forces).
• The N H S number of Medical Card of the deceased.

Documents to bring with you.

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued by the doctor (if there has been a Coroner's post-mortem the Coroner's officers will advise you).
• The deceased's medical card if it is readily available.
• Birth and Marriage Certificates are also useful as a checking aid if readily available.
• Some money if you wish to purchase certified death certificates. (It is important to remember that you are not given a death certificate free of charge, any certified copies issued will have to be paid for).

What documents will be issued by the Registrar?

• A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form) this is for you to take to the funeral director so that the funeral can take place (in some cases this will be issued by the Coroner).
• A Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8/344) this is for Social Security purposes. This is to inform them of the death if you need to.
• Certified Death Certificates can be purchased from the Registrar at the time of registration. These may be required to deal with such things as solicitors, banks, building societies, insurance policies and probate requirements. Further certificates are available should you require any at a later date, but may cost more than at the time of registration.

How much will the certificate cost?
Certificates issued at the time of registration will be £3.50 and once the deposited register is held with the Superintendent Registrar the fee will be £7.00.

How long will it take to register a death?
On average it takes between fifteen and twenty minutes to register a death. At the Register Office in Wellington you will need to make an appointment to register or make a Declaration of Particulars.

Probate.
If you think you may need to apply for probate or letters of administration click here.

Cruse Bereavement Care.
Cruse offers free information and advice to anyone who has been affected by a death, provides support and counselling one to one and in groups and offers education, support, information and publications to anyone supporting bereaved people.