How to Register a Death in the UK: What You Need to Know

Losing someone you love is one of life's most difficult experiences. In the midst of grief, there are practical steps that must be taken — and registering the death is one of the most important. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about registering a death in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so you can focus on what matters most: being with your family.

What Is Death Registration and Why Is It a Legal Requirement?

In the UK, every death must be formally registered with the local register office. This legal requirement exists to create an official record and to allow the funeral to take place. Without a registered death, a funeral director cannot arrange burial or cremation, and you cannot access the deceased's estate or cancel their accounts and subscriptions.

The good news is that, while the process may feel daunting, it is straightforward — and an NAFD-accredited funeral director near you can guide you through each stage, helping you understand what is needed and when. All NAFD members follow a strict Code of Practice and are independently monitored — giving you confidence at every step.

Who Can Register a Death?

Not just anyone can register a death — there are specific rules about who is qualified to act as the informant. The person who registers the death is known as the informant, and they are responsible for providing accurate information to the registrar.

In England and Wales

The following people can register a death, listed in order of priority:

• A relative of the deceased
• A person present at the death
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred (e.g. a care home manager), if they were aware of the death
• The person arranging the funeral (but not the funeral director themselves)

A relative is always the preferred informant wherever possible.

In Scotland

In Scotland, the following people can register a death:

• A relative of the deceased
• Anyone present at the death
• The deceased's executor or legal representative
• The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
• Any other person who has knowledge of the death

In Northern Ireland

The rules are similar to England and Wales. A relative of the deceased is the preferred person to register, but others present at the death or responsible for the premises may also act as informant.

Where to Register a Death

Deaths must be registered at a local register office — sometimes called the registry office. Crucially, you should register at the office for the area where the death occurred, not where the deceased lived. So if someone died in hospital in a different town from their home, you would register in the district where the hospital is located.

In England and Wales, you can register a death at any register office, but if you use one outside the district where the death occurred, the process takes slightly longer as the details are forwarded to the correct office.

You will need to book an appointment — most register offices no longer accept walk-ins. You can find your nearest register office through your local council's website or via the GOV.UK register office finder.

How Long Do You Have to Register a Death in the UK?

There are strict time limits for registering a death, and these differ across the UK nations.

How Long Do You Have to Register a Death in England and Wales?

In England and Wales, a death must be registered within 5 days of the date of death. If the death has been referred to a coroner (see below), the 5-day deadline is paused until the coroner has completed their enquiries and issued the relevant paperwork.

How Long Do You Have to Register a Death in Scotland?

In Scotland, you have 8 days from the date of death to register. As in England and Wales, this period is paused if the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland's equivalent of the coroner) is involved.

Northern Ireland: 5 Days

In Northern Ireland, registration must take place within 5 days of the death. If the death has been referred to the coroner, you will need to wait for the coroner's documentation before registering.

Important: If registration is likely to be delayed for any reason, inform the register office as soon as possible. They are experienced in handling complex situations and will advise you accordingly.

What Documents Do You Need?

Before your appointment, gather the following documents. The more prepared you are, the smoother the appointment will be.

Essential Documents

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) — this is issued by the doctor or hospital doctor who attended the deceased. Without this, you cannot register the death (unless a coroner is involved). From 2026 onwards in England and Wales, the MCCD process was updated: it is now submitted electronically to the Medical Examiner, who scrutinises and approves it before it is released to the registrar.
• The deceased's NHS medical card (if available)
• The deceased's birth certificate (if available)
• The deceased's marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable and available)
• The deceased's passport or driving licence (if available)

Note that you do not need to bring all of these documents — they are helpful but not all are mandatory. The MCCD (or coroner's paperwork) is the essential document. The registrar will tell you in advance what to bring when you book your appointment.

What the Registrar Will Ask You

During your appointment — which typically lasts around 30 minutes — the registrar will record the following information about the deceased:

• Full name (and any former names, including maiden name)
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Home address at the time of death
• Occupation (or former occupation if retired)
• Marital or civil partnership status
• If married or in a civil partnership: the full name and occupation of the surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether the deceased was receiving a state pension or any other state benefits
• The deceased's NHS number (if known)

The registrar will also ask for your details as the informant — your name, address, and your relationship to the deceased.

Be as accurate as possible. Once registered, any errors on the death certificate can be difficult (and sometimes costly) to correct.

Death Certificates: How Many Should You Order?

Once the death is registered, you can purchase certified copies of the death certificate. These are official copies that bear the registrar's seal and can be used for legal and administrative purposes.

A common mistake families make is ordering too few. You will need an original certified copy — not a photocopy — for many of the organisations you need to contact. Photocopies are generally not accepted.

Who Will Need a Death Certificate?

• Banks and building societies (one per institution)
• The probate registry or solicitor handling the estate
• Life insurance companies (one per policy)
• Pension providers
• The deceased's employer or former employer
• HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions
• Mortgage lender or landlord
• Utility companies (some accept copies)
• Premium Bonds, ISAs, and investment accounts

Our recommendation: order at least 5 to 10 certified copies. Ordering them at the time of registration is significantly cheaper than ordering additional copies later. It may feel like a lot, but running out and waiting for more can cause frustrating delays when settling the estate.

How Much Do Death Certificates Cost in 2026?

In England and Wales, each certified copy of the death certificate costs £12.50. In Scotland, copies cost £10.00. In Northern Ireland, the fee is £15.00. If you need to order additional copies after the initial registration, the same fees apply, but you will need to contact the register office or use the General Register Office's postal service, which can take longer.

The Tell Us Once service is offered by most register offices in England, Wales, and Scotland following registration. This free government service allows you to notify multiple government departments — including HMRC, the DVLA, the Passport Office, and the Department for Work and Pensions — with a single notification, saving considerable time and effort.

What Documents Will You Receive?

After registering, the registrar will provide you with:

• Certified copies of the death certificate (however many you have paid for)
• A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (commonly called the green form) — this is given to the funeral director to allow the funeral to proceed. In some areas, this is now handled electronically.
• A Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8 in England and Wales) — to be sent to the DWP if the deceased was receiving state pension or benefits (the Tell Us Once service can do this for you automatically)

What If the Death Was Referred to a Coroner?

Not all deaths can be registered immediately. A death may be referred to the coroner (or the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland) if:

• The cause of death is unknown
• The death was sudden or unexpected
• The death occurred during or shortly after an operation, or was related to an injury or accident
• The death was violent, unnatural, or suspicious
• The deceased had not been seen by a doctor in the 28 days before death (14 days in some circumstances)
• The deceased died in custody or state detention

If a death is referred to the coroner, the registration process is paused. The coroner will investigate and may order a post-mortem examination. If the post-mortem reveals a natural cause of death, the coroner will issue paperwork allowing registration to proceed. If an inquest is required — for example, where the cause of death is unclear or requires a hearing — registration may be significantly delayed, sometimes by many months.

This can feel very difficult for families who are anxious to proceed with funeral arrangements. Your funeral director will be able to advise on interim steps, and in many cases, the coroner can issue an interim certificate to allow the funeral to take place while the inquest continues.

An experienced, NAFD-accredited funeral director will have worked with coroners many times and can help you navigate this process with confidence and care.

Online Death Registration: Is It Available?

In most parts of the UK, death registration still requires an in-person appointment at the register office. However, there have been limited pilots and developments in online or telephone registration, particularly following changes introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2026, some register offices in England offer telephone appointments in certain circumstances — for example, where the informant is unable to attend in person due to illness or disability. Contact your local register office directly to ask what options are available. Scotland and Northern Ireland similarly allow some flexibility in exceptional circumstances.

It is important to check with your local register office as provision varies. GOV.UK provides an up-to-date register office finder to help you locate the right office and check their current procedures.

A Quick Checklist: Registering a Death Step by Step

1. Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the attending doctor or hospital
2. Check whether the Medical Examiner has approved the certificate (England and Wales)
3. Contact the local register office for the area where the death occurred and book an appointment
4. Gather supporting documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, NHS card, passport)
5. Attend the appointment within the legal time limit (5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; 8 days in Scotland)
6. Order at least 5–10 certified copies of the death certificate
7. Collect the green form (Certificate for Burial or Cremation) for your funeral director
8. Use the Tell Us Once service to notify government departments
9. Begin notifying banks, insurers, and other organisations using certified copies

How an NAFD Funeral Director Can Help

Registering a death is just one part of what can feel like an overwhelming list of tasks at an already devastating time. NAFD-accredited funeral directors — all 4,000+ of them across the UK — are bound by a strict Code of Practice and are here to support you at every step. Many families find that their funeral director helps them understand the registration process, liaises with the coroner's office where necessary, and ensures the green form reaches the right place so the funeral can go ahead.

If you haven't yet chosen a funeral director, or would like to find one near you who is independently accredited and trustworthy, our directory makes it simple to find help close to home. Find an NAFD-accredited funeral director near you.

You can also use our funeral cost calculator to get a sense of likely costs and start planning with confidence.

What Documents Do You Need to Register a Death?

When you attend the register office, you will need to bring certain documents. The registrar will use these to complete the entry in the register accurately.

You Will Need to Bring

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) — issued by the doctor who attended the deceased. In most cases, the hospital or GP surgery will send this directly to the register office, but check in advance.
• If available (not compulsory but helpful): the deceased's NHS medical card, birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, and passport.
• Your own photo ID — some offices request this from the informant.

You do not need to bring a death certificate — the registrar creates this during your appointment. If the death has been referred to a coroner or Procurator Fiscal, the MCCD will not be available until their enquiries are complete, and registration cannot proceed until that paperwork is issued. Your NAFD-accredited funeral director can advise you on timings in these circumstances.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost, and How Many Should You Order?

When you register the death, you can purchase official copies of the death certificate — known as certified copies. Each copy costs £12.50 in England and Wales (as of 2026), £10 in Scotland, and £15 in Northern Ireland.

It is strongly advisable to order multiple copies at the time of registration, as it is cheaper and faster than ordering them later. Most families need between 5 and 10 certified copies — you will typically need one for each of the following:

• The probate registry (if applying for a Grant of Probate)
• Each bank or building society holding accounts in the deceased's name
• Life insurance and pension providers
• The deceased's employer or any share registrar
• Property or land registry matters
• Overseas assets (some foreign institutions require their own original copy)

If you later need additional copies, you can order them from the General Register Office (GRO) online, by post, or in person — but allow additional processing time. Your funeral director can help you estimate how many you are likely to need based on the complexity of the estate. For a broader picture of what to expect financially, our funeral cost calculator can help you plan ahead.

Tell Us Once: Notify Multiple Government Departments in a Single Step

When you register a death in England, Scotland, or Wales, the registrar will give you access to the Tell Us Once service. This free government service lets you report the death to multiple government departments and local council services in one go, rather than contacting each separately.

Tell Us Once can notify:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — to stop benefits such as State Pension
• The DVLA — to cancel a driving licence and vehicle tax
• HM Passport Office — to cancel the deceased's passport
• The local council — to cancel council tax, housing benefit, and library cards
• Veterans UK (if applicable)

You can use Tell Us Once online or by phone, and you have 28 days from the date you receive the reference number from the registrar. Northern Ireland has a similar scheme — your registrar will explain what is available at your appointment. Using Tell Us Once does not replace notifying banks, insurers, or utility providers, but it significantly reduces the administrative burden on families at an already difficult time.

What Happens If a Death Is Referred to a Coroner?

Not every death can be registered straight away. A doctor must refer the death to His Majesty's Coroner (in England and Wales) or the Procurator Fiscal (in Scotland) in certain circumstances, including when:

• The cause of death is unknown or uncertain
• The death was sudden or unexpected
• The death may have been caused by violence, accident, or neglect
• The deceased had not been seen by a doctor in the 28 days before death
• The death occurred during or shortly after surgery or a medical procedure
• The death occurred in custody or state detention

When a death is referred, the 5-day registration deadline in England and Wales (or 8 days in Scotland) is paused until the coroner's process is complete. This is not unusual and does not mean anything suspicious has occurred — it is a standard safeguarding process.

The coroner may decide no further action is needed and issue a Form 100A (or equivalent) allowing registration to proceed. If a post-mortem or inquest is required, this will take longer. Crucially, even while a coroner's investigation is ongoing, a funeral director can often begin making arrangements — speak to your NAFD member funeral director for guidance specific to your situation.

In Northern Ireland, deaths are referred to the Coroner for Northern Ireland under similar circumstances.

What Will the Registrar Ask You?

The appointment itself is usually straightforward and takes around 30 minutes. The registrar will ask you to confirm the following information about the deceased:

• Full name (and any former names, including maiden name)
• Date and place of birth
• Date, time, and place of death
• Usual address at the time of death
• Occupation (and, if married or in a civil partnership, the spouse or partner's full name and occupation)
• Whether the deceased was receiving a State Pension or any state benefits
• NHS number (if known)

You will also be asked to confirm your own name and address as the informant. The registrar will read back the entry to you before you sign the register — check every detail carefully before signing, as amendments after registration require a separate legal process and take additional time. Once complete, you will receive a green form (formally the Certificate for Burial or Cremation, or Form 14 in Scotland) which your funeral director needs to proceed with the funeral.

Tell Us Once: Notify Government Departments in a Single Step

After you have registered the death, the registrar will give you access to a free government service called Tell Us Once. This allows you to report the death to most government departments and local council services in a single step, rather than contacting each one individually.

Tell Us Once can notify organisations including:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) — to deal with tax and benefits
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — to cancel benefits such as State Pension or Universal Credit
• The DVLA — to cancel the deceased's driving licence and vehicle tax
• The Passport Office — to cancel the deceased's passport
• The local council — to cancel council tax discounts, housing benefit, or a Blue Badge
• Veterans UK — if the deceased was receiving a war pension

Tell Us Once is available in England, Wales, and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, a similar service operates but you will need to contact some departments separately. The registrar will explain exactly how to use the service at your appointment. You can also use it online at GOV.UK within 28 days of receiving your registration reference number.

What Documents Do You Need to Register a Death?

Before your appointment at the register office, gather the following. The registrar cannot complete registration without the medical certificate, so make sure this has been issued before you attend.

Documents the Registrar Will Need

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) — issued by the doctor who attended the deceased. If the death has been referred to a coroner, you will receive different paperwork from the coroner's office instead.
• The deceased's NHS medical card — if available (do not delay registration if you cannot find it).
• The deceased's birth certificate — useful but not always mandatory.
• The deceased's marriage or civil partnership certificate — if applicable.
• Proof of the deceased's address — such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Information the Registrar Will Ask You to Confirm

You do not need to bring official documents for every item below, but you should know these details:

• The deceased's full name (including any former names or maiden name)
• Date and place of birth
• Last known address
• Occupation (and that of their spouse or civil partner if applicable)
• Whether the deceased was receiving any state pension or benefits
• The date and place of any marriage or civil partnership

An NAFD-accredited funeral director can advise you on exactly what to bring for your specific circumstances — contact one in your area for guidance.

How Many Death Certificates Should You Order — and What Do They Cost?

At the time of registration, you can purchase official certified copies of the death certificate. These are sometimes called death certificate copies or certified copies of the entry of death. They are not photocopies — each one is an official certified document bearing the registrar's stamp.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in 2026?

In England and Wales, each certified copy costs £12.50 at the time of registration. In Scotland, the cost is £15.00 per copy, and in Northern Ireland it is £15.00. Copies ordered after registration are typically more expensive and take longer to arrive, so it pays to order enough upfront.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most families are surprised by how many organisations require an original certified copy — a photocopy is rarely accepted. We recommend ordering between 5 and 10 copies depending on the complexity of the estate. You may need copies for:

• Each bank or building society account the deceased held
• Life insurance or pension providers
• Solicitors dealing with the estate or probate
• The Land Registry (if the deceased owned property)
• HMRC
• Private share or investment accounts
• Overseas assets or foreign financial institutions

Ordering extra copies at registration is almost always cheaper and faster than requesting them later. If in doubt, order more rather than fewer — unused copies can simply be kept safely at home. For a clearer picture of overall funeral costs, try our funeral cost calculator.

What Happens If a Death Is Referred to a Coroner?

Not every death can be registered immediately. A death must be referred to a coroner if the cause of death is unknown, unexpected, sudden, or unnatural — including deaths following an accident, an operation, or where the deceased had not recently been seen by a doctor. The attending doctor or the police will make this referral automatically.

How Does a Coroner Referral Affect Registration?

When a death is referred to a coroner, the 5-day registration deadline in England and Wales (or 8 days in Scotland) is paused. You cannot register the death — or make funeral arrangements — until the coroner has completed their enquiries and issued the appropriate paperwork. This can be frustrating for grieving families, but it is a legal requirement and your funeral director will be experienced in supporting you through this waiting period.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of a Coroner's Enquiry?

• No further action required: The coroner is satisfied with the cause of death and issues a form allowing registration to proceed.
• Post-mortem examination: A post-mortem may be ordered to establish the cause of death. If the cause is confirmed, the coroner issues the paperwork needed to register.
• Inquest: If the cause of death remains uncertain or was violent or unnatural, an inquest may be held. An interim death certificate can be issued to allow the funeral to proceed, and the estate to be partially administered, while the inquest is ongoing.

In Scotland, the equivalent of the coroner is the Procurator Fiscal, who investigates sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. The process is broadly similar.

If you are facing a coroner referral, lean on your NAFD-accredited funeral director — they will have navigated this process many times and can provide calm, knowledgeable support while you wait.

The Green Form: Authorising the Funeral

Once the death is registered, the registrar will issue a Certificate for Burial or Cremation — commonly known as the green form because of the colour of the paper it is traditionally printed on. This certificate is what authorises your funeral director to proceed with the burial or cremation.

You should pass the green form to your funeral director as soon as possible. Without it, the funeral cannot legally take place. If the funeral will be a cremation, additional paperwork (the cremation forms) is also required, and your funeral director will arrange these on your behalf.

In Scotland, the process differs slightly: the registrar issues a Registration Certificate (sometimes called a Form 14), which serves a similar purpose.

If the death has been referred to the coroner, the coroner's office will issue an Order for Burial or a Certificate for Cremation directly — bypassing the register office step for this particular document. Again, your funeral director will guide you through exactly what is needed in your circumstances.

Registering a Death: Step-by-Step Summary

Here is a quick overview of the full process. Each step is explained in detail further down this guide.

1. Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the attending doctor. If the death has been referred to a coroner, wait for the coroner's paperwork instead.
2. Book an appointment at the register office for the area where the death occurred — most offices require appointments, so do not simply turn up.
3. Attend the appointment with the MCCD and any supporting documents (see the full list below). The registrar will ask you questions about the deceased and record the details officially.
4. Collect your documents: The registrar will give you the Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the green form) for your funeral director, plus any certified copies of the death certificate you have ordered.
5. Use Tell Us Once to notify government departments and your local council in a single step.
6. Pass the green form to your funeral director so they can proceed with arrangements for the burial or cremation.

The appointment itself usually takes around 30 minutes. Bring a trusted friend or family member if you would find that helpful — you do not have to attend alone.