What is the first thing you should do when someone dies?

If the death was expected, contact the person's GP or the doctor who was treating them. If the death was unexpected, call 999. Once a doctor has confirmed the death, you will be given a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which you need to register the death.

How long do you have to register a death in England?

In England and Wales you must register a death within five days (unless it has been referred to the coroner). In Scotland the time limit is eight days. Registration must be done at the register office for the area where the person died.

Do you have to use a funeral director?

No. While the vast majority of families in the UK choose to use a professional funeral director, it is legally possible to arrange a funeral yourself. However, a qualified funeral director provides essential guidance on legal requirements and handles all logistics, which most families find invaluable at a difficult time.

What documents do you need to register a death?

You will need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death issued by the doctor. It also helps to bring the deceased's NHS medical card, birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, and proof of their address. The registrar will ask for personal details about the deceased.

What is a coroner and when do they get involved?

A coroner is a judicial officer who investigates deaths that are sudden, unexplained, or where the cause is unknown. They are also involved if the deceased had not seen a doctor in the 28 days before death. If the coroner is involved, you cannot register the death until their investigation is complete.

How long do you have to register a death in the UK?

In England and Wales, a death must be registered within five days of the date of death. In Scotland, the deadline is eight days. In Northern Ireland, you must register within five days. If the death has been referred to the coroner, registration may be delayed until the coroner releases the case; your funeral director will keep you informed.

Can you organise a funeral before registering the death?

Yes — you can contact a funeral director and begin making funeral arrangements before the death is formally registered. The funeral director can collect and care for the deceased and help you plan the service. However, a cremation cannot legally take place until the death is registered and the green form (Certificate for Burial or Cremation) has been issued. A burial can sometimes proceed with the registrar's approval before formal registration in exceptional circumstances.

What happens if there is no will?

If the person died without a will, they are said to have died 'intestate'. In this case, their estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, which follow a strict order of priority (spouse or civil partner first, then children, then other relatives). Unmarried partners and close friends have no automatic right to inherit under intestacy rules, regardless of the length of the relationship. You will need to apply for Letters of Administration rather than Probate to manage the estate.

How much does a death certificate cost in the UK?

Each certified copy of a death certificate costs £11 in England and Wales (2026), £8 in Scotland, and £15 in Northern Ireland. We strongly recommend ordering at least five copies when you register the death, as banks, pension providers, insurers, and government departments typically each require an original certified copy. Ordering further copies later is possible but takes additional time.

What is the Tell Us Once service?

Tell Us Once is a free government service available in England, Scotland, and Wales that allows you to notify most central and local government departments of a death in a single step. This includes the DWP (benefits and pensions), HMRC, the Passport Office, the DVLA, and your local council. Your registrar will give you a unique reference code when you register the death, which you use to access the service online or by phone. It saves considerable time and reduces the risk of overpayments that would need to be repaid.

Do I have to use a funeral director — is it a legal requirement?

No — there is no legal requirement in the UK to use a funeral director. Families can, in theory, make their own funeral arrangements. However, most families choose to use a professional funeral director because the process involves significant logistical, legal, and administrative complexity during an already difficult time. An NAFD member funeral director provides peace of mind through their independently monitored Code of Practice and access to the Funeral Arbitration Scheme if any concerns arise.

What happens if I cannot afford a funeral?

If you are on a low income or receiving certain means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit), you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the DWP. This can help cover burial or cremation fees, travel costs, and up to £1,000 towards other funeral expenses. You must apply within six months of the funeral. Your local Citizens Advice bureau or a trusted NAFD funeral director can help you understand your options. Some local councils and charities also offer assistance in cases of genuine hardship.

What to Do When Someone Dies | NAFD Funeral Directory

A step-by-step guide to what happens immediately after a death, from obtaining the medical certificate to registering the death and contacting a funeral director.

What to Do in the First Hours After Someone Dies

Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult experiences life brings. Knowing what practical steps to take — and in what order — can help reduce the feeling of overwhelm during an incredibly painful time. This guide sets out clearly what happens after a death in the UK and what you need to do.

The immediate steps differ depending on whether the death was expected (at home following a terminal illness, for example) or unexpected (sudden, accidental, or of unknown cause).

If the Death Was Expected

If your loved one was being cared for at home under a GP or hospice team, and the death was anticipated, the process is relatively straightforward:

Contact the person's GP surgery or the hospice team to inform them of the death.
A doctor must confirm the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). If the GP saw the patient within the last 28 days, they can issue this certificate directly.
If the death occurs in a hospital, the ward sister or bereavement office will guide you through next steps.

If the Death Was Unexpected

If the death was sudden, unexpected, or in any way suspicious:

Call 999 immediately if you discover the person unresponsive and you are unsure whether they are alive.
Do not move the body if the death appears suspicious or accidental.
If the death is confirmed by emergency services, the case may be referred to the coroner. This is standard procedure for sudden or unexplained deaths.

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is the document that allows you to register the death. It is issued by the doctor who treated the deceased and states the medical cause of death. Without this certificate (or the coroner's authority to proceed), you cannot legally register the death or instruct a funeral director to proceed with cremation.

If the death is referred to the coroner, they may:

Issue a certificate allowing registration to proceed without a post-mortem
Order a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death
Hold an inquest if the cause of death remains unclear after the post-mortem

If an inquest is required, it can delay the funeral significantly. Your funeral director will guide you through this process.

When and How to Contact a Funeral Director

You do not need to wait until the death is registered before contacting a funeral director. Most families contact a funeral director as soon as practical after the death is confirmed. The funeral director will:

Collect and transport the deceased into their care
Provide guidance on the next legal steps
Advise on coffin and service options
Liaise with the crematorium, cemetery, or place of worship on your behalf
Handle the paperwork required for cremation or burial

When choosing a funeral director, look for a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). NAFD members are bound by a strict Code of Practice and are independently inspected, giving families the assurance that they are dealing with a reputable professional. /find-a-funeral-director/. You can also use our /funeral-cost-calculator/ to get a clearer idea of likely costs in your area before your first conversation.

According to the NAFD, you have the right to receive a clear itemised price list before agreeing to any services. Do not feel pressured to make decisions immediately — a good funeral director will give you time and space to decide.

Registering the Death

In England and Wales, the death must be registered within five days of the date of death (not the date you receive the MCCD). In Scotland, the time limit is eight days. Registration is done at the register office for the area where the person died — not necessarily where they lived.

See our full guide on how to register a death in the UK for step-by-step instructions, what documents to bring, and what certificates you will receive.

Practical Checklist: The First Week

The following checklist covers the key tasks that need to be completed in the first week after a death. Not all of these have strict deadlines, but attending to them promptly will help avoid complications later.

Urgent (First 24–48 Hours)

Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the doctor
Contact a funeral director to arrange transfer of the deceased into their care
Notify close family members and friends
If the deceased lived alone, secure their property
If there are pets, arrange their care

Within Five Days

Register the death at the local register office (required by law within five days in England and Wales)
Obtain death certificates — you will typically need at least five certified copies for banks, insurers, pension providers, and solicitors
Begin funeral arrangements with the funeral director (choose date, time, cremation or burial, service type)

Within Two Weeks

Notify relevant government bodies (DWP, HMRC, DVLA, passport office)
Use the government's Tell Us Once service, which notifies multiple government departments in a single step after registration
Contact banks and financial institutions to freeze accounts and begin the process of settling the estate
Check whether the deceased had a will and identify the executor
Notify the deceased's employer (if applicable) and check entitlement to death in service benefits
Contact insurers, pension providers, and investment managers
Cancel subscriptions, standing orders, and direct debits

Tell Us Once: Notifying the Government

The Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to most government organisations in a single step. It is available after you register the death and covers:

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
DVLA (to cancel driving licence and vehicle registration)
Passport Office
Local council (to cancel council tax exemptions, housing benefit, etc.)
Veterans UK

The registrar will give you a unique reference number to use Tell Us Once online or by phone after the death is registered.

If the Deceased Died Abroad

If your loved one died outside the UK, the process is more complex. You will need to liaise with local authorities in the country of death as well as the British Embassy or Consulate. The death must usually be registered both in the country of death (under local law) and with the UK authorities. Repatriating the deceased to the UK requires specific documentation including an embalming certificate and permission from both countries' authorities. A specialist repatriation funeral director can manage this process on your behalf.

Looking After Yourself

Managing practical arrangements while grieving is exhausting. It is important to accept help from family and friends, and to be honest about what you can and cannot manage. Do not feel that you have to make every decision alone or immediately. A good funeral director will guide you through the process at a pace that is right for you.

If you are struggling with grief, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free support via their helpline (0808 808 1677) and local services across the UK. The funeral director may also be able to refer you to local bereavement support.

This guide is provided by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which represents funeral directing businesses conducting over 80% of all UK funerals. Find a trusted NAFD funeral director near you.

Who to Tell When Someone Dies — A Practical Checklist

Once the death is registered and the funeral arrangements are in hand, you will need to notify a range of organisations and individuals. This is one of the most time-consuming parts of managing an estate, and it helps to work through it methodically.

Immediate notifications (within the first few days)

Close family and friends — a trusted person can help share the news
The deceased's employer or place of education
Their GP surgery (if not already informed)
Any care providers or day services

Within the first two weeks

DWP / Department for Work and Pensions — to stop benefits such as Universal Credit, State Pension, or PIP. Use the Tell Us Once service to notify most government departments in a single step.
HMRC — to handle any outstanding tax affairs
Banks and building societies — present the death certificate; accounts are typically frozen until probate is granted
Mortgage or landlord — to arrange continuity or give notice
Insurance companies — home, life, car, and health policies
Utility providers — gas, electricity, water, broadband
Council Tax department — a bereavement exemption may apply
TV Licensing, subscriptions, and memberships
Pension providers — a spouse or dependant may be entitled to a survivor's pension

The Tell Us Once service, available in England, Scotland, and Wales, lets you inform most central and local government departments of a death in a single report. Your registrar will give you a reference code to use this service when you register the death.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the UK?

Funeral costs are a significant and often unexpected concern for bereaved families. Understanding the likely costs early helps you make informed decisions without financial pressure.

According to the most recent industry data, the average cost of a funeral in the UK in 2026 is approximately £4,000–£5,000 for a burial and £3,000–£4,000 for a cremation, though costs vary considerably by region and by the services chosen.

Funeral costs broadly fall into two categories:

Funeral director's professional fees — collection and care of the deceased, coffin, staff, vehicles, administration
Disbursements — third-party costs such as crematorium or burial fees, minister or officiant fees, and death notices

Every NAFD member funeral director is required to publish a clear, itemised price list — both online and in their premises. You have every right to ask for this before committing to anything.

If you are concerned about affording a funeral, the Funeral Expenses Payment (formerly the Social Fund Funeral Payment) from the DWP may help if you or your partner receive certain means-tested benefits. /funeral-cost-calculator/

Finding the Will and Dealing With the Estate

Once the immediate funeral arrangements are underway, you will need to locate the deceased's will (if one exists) and begin the process of administering their estate.

Finding the will

Check the deceased's personal papers, home filing system, solicitor's office, or bank safe deposit box. You can also search the National Will Register (Certainty) for a small fee. If no will can be found, the person is said to have died intestate, and the estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy.

Probate

Probate is the legal process that grants authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. In England and Wales this is called a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). In Scotland, the equivalent process is Confirmation.

Not every estate requires probate — it depends on the size and nature of the assets. Banks and financial institutions set their own thresholds, typically between £5,000 and £50,000, below which they may release funds without a formal grant.

You can apply for probate yourself via GOV.UK or instruct a solicitor. If the estate is complex — for example, involving property, business interests, or Inheritance Tax — professional legal advice is strongly recommended.

What Happens When You Register a Death?

Registering the death is a formal legal requirement, but the process is more straightforward than many families expect. Here is what to anticipate.

Where to go

You must register the death at the register office for the district in which the death occurred — not necessarily where the person lived. You can find your nearest office via GOV.UK. In England and Wales, you can also 'attend by declaration' at a different register office if travel is difficult, though there may be a short delay.

Who can register

The death should ideally be registered by a relative of the deceased. If no relative is available, other people may register the death, including someone present at the death, an occupier of the property, or the person arranging the funeral.

What to bring

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) — issued by the doctor
The deceased's NHS medical card (if available)
The deceased's birth certificate, passport, or proof of address (helpful, not always required)

What you will receive

The registrar will issue you with a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the 'green form') — this is what your funeral director needs to proceed. You will also be offered certified copies of the death certificate; we recommend purchasing at least five copies, as banks, insurers, and government bodies often require originals. Each copy costs £11 in England and Wales (2026 rate).

What to Do When Someone Dies