When and where can you register the death
In England and Wales, you normally need to register the death within five days. It's best to go to the register office in the area where the person died, as otherwise it may take longer to get the documents you need and this could delay the funeral.
It will take about half an hour to register the death. You may need to make an appointment beforehand. You'll find contact details for the register office in the local area phone book or you can search online below.
- Search for your local register office
- Anglesey 01248751925
- Gwynedd 01268679673
Who can register the death
If the person died in a house or hospital, the death can be registered by:
- a relative
- someone present at the death
- an occupant of the house
- an official from the hospital
- the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors
Deaths that occurred anywhere else can be registered by:
- a relative
- someone present at the death
- the person who found the body
- the person in charge of the body
- the person making the arrangements with the funeral directors
Most deaths are registered by a relative. The registrar would normally only allow other people if there are no relatives available.
Stillbirth
A stillbirth normally needs to be registered within 42 days, and at the latest within three months. In many cases this can be done at the hospital or at the local register office.
Documents and information you will need
Documents
When registering a death, you'll need to take the following:
- medical certificate of the cause of death (signed by a doctor)
And, if available:
- birth certificate
- marriage or civil partnership certificate
- NHS Medical Card
Information
You’ll need to tell the registrar:
- the person’s full name at time of death
- any names previously used, including maiden surname
- the person’s date and place of birth (town and county if born in the UK and country if born abroad)
- their last address
- their occupation
- the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving spouse or civil partner
- if they were getting a state pension or any other state benefit
Documents and help you will receive
If a post-mortem is not being held, the registrar will give you:
- a certificate for burial or cremation (called the 'green form'), giving permission for the body to be buried or to apply for the body to be cremated
- a certificate of registration of death (form BD8), issued for social security purposes if the person was on a state pension or benefits (read the information on the back, complete and return it, if it applies)
You'll be able to buy one or more death certificates at this time (the price varies between local authorities). These will be needed by the executor or administrator when sorting out the person's affairs.
The registrar will also give you a booklet called 'What to do after a death', with advice on wills, funerals and financial help. You can download a copy below.
You may need to tell a number of different government departments and agencies about the death. The registrar can advise you on how to go about this. Some local authorities have started offering a new service to help you report a death, and the registrar will let you know if it's available in your area.
If a post-mortem is needed, the coroner will issue any documents you need as quickly as possible afterwards.
If there is an error in a death record, details can be changed or added. Ideally the person who registered the death should arrange this with the office where the death was registered. You may be asked for evidence to prove an error was made.