Registering a death
Once the death has been verified and certified (confirmed and certified in Scotland), you'll need to register the death with a registrar. The registrar will then issue the forms you'll need to organise the burial or cremation, and to sort out practical things like finances.
Why do I need to register a death?
You are legally required to register a person's death. You can then organise their funeral or cremation.
Read more about organising a funeral and arranging a ceremony.
You also need to have registered the death before you can sort out their financial affairs.
When to register a death
- five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- eight days in Scotland.
This includes weekends and bank holidays. It may be different if the registrar agrees to extend the period, or if the death has been referred to the coroner.
If a death has been referred to the coroner, or procurator fiscal in Scotland, you'll need to wait for them to give permission before you can register the death.
There's no cost for registering a death. But you will need to pay to get copies of the death certificate.
How to register a death
When you get the medical certificate of cause of death, ask for the contact details of the local register office. You can also find your local register office online at:
- GOV.UK
- National Records of Scotland
- nidirect for Northern Ireland
In England and Wales, it's best to use the register office closest to where the person died. You can try to use a register office in another area, but the paperwork may take longer, and this could delay funeral arrangements.
In Northern Ireland and Scotland, the death can be registered in any district or council registration office.
Register offices may only see someone by appointment, so it's best to call in advance and book a time. It usually takes around half an hour to register a death.
Who can register a death?
A death should be registered by a relative of the person who died. It can also be registered by someone who was present when the person died.
If the person who died has no relatives, or they're not available, there are other people who can register the death. This includes someone who was present when the person died. The full list of the other people who can do it is slightly different for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
If you are not sure about who can register the death, it's best to call your local register office and check with them.
What you'll need to register a death
You must take the medical certificate of cause of death with you. The GP or hospital doctor will give you this. You should bring some identification (for example, a driving licence) as proof of who you are.
The register office may say they want to see the person's:
- birth certificate
- Council Tax bill
- driving licence
- marriage or civil partnership certificate
- NHS medical card
- passport
- proof of address, such as a utility bill.
- the person’s full name at the time of their death
- any other names that the person used – for example, their maiden name
- their date and place of birth
- their last address
- their occupation or last occupation if retired
- the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
- whether they were getting a state pension or any other benefits.
Forms you'll get from the registrar
England and Wales
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation. This is often known as the green certificate or form. It gives permission for the body to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made, and you should give this to the funeral director.
- A Certificate for Registration of Death (form BD8). You may need to fill this in and return it if the person was getting a state pension or benefits (the form will come with a pre-paid envelope, so you know where to send it).
Scotland
- A Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14). You'll need to show this to the funeral director.
- A shorter, known as "abbreviated" copy of the full entry made in the national register.
Northern Ireland
The registrar will give you:
- A GRO21 form giving permission for the body to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made.
If the body is to be cremated, the GP or hospital will arrange for a second doctor to sign the cremation certificate.
You might also be given the phone number and or a unique reference number to use online for a service called Tell Us Once (in Scotland, Wales and England). This will forward details of the person who died to all central and local government departments. In Northern Ireland, the Bereavement Service will forward details to any department that paid benefits to the person who died.
If the burial needs to happen quickly
Some burials need to happen within 24 hours of the death. For example, for religious or cultural reasons. In Northern Ireland, the burial will often happen within three days of the person's death. You can get advice from the local registrar or funeral director about this.
Getting copies of the death certificate
Registering the death itself is free, but you have to pay for a death certificate. The death certificate is a certified copy of the death entry in the register.
How many copies of the death certificate do you need?
You'll usually need one certified copy (not a photocopy) for each insurance, bank or pension company you're dealing with. You may also need to give copies to the executor or administrator who is dealing with the property of the person who's died. The executor of the Will and the registrar should be able to help you work out how many copies you need.
Cost of getting a death certificate
If you find you need more copies, you can get these from the local register office. You can also now order them online at GOV.UK for England and Wales, via Scotlands People for Scotland or via nidirect for Northern Ireland.
Getting support
We know that it can be difficult registering the death of someone who was important to you. If you want to speak to someone about how you're feeling or about any of the practical things you need to do, you can call the Marie Curie Support line for free on 0800 090 2309.
Useful websites
Bereavement Advice Centre Practical help when someone dies
GOV.UK Registering a death in England and Wales
mygov.scot Registering a death in Scotland
nidirect Registering a death in Northern Ireland
Did you find this page useful?
Help us be there for anyone with an illness they're likely to die from by telling us what you think.
If you are completing this survey using a desktop computer, hold down the Ctrl button to select multiple options.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
