How to register a death in England and Wales

Registering a death is a legal step, and it has to happen before the funeral can go ahead. The appointment usually takes about half an hour, and registering is free - you only pay for copies of the death certificate.

Before you can register: the medical examiner

In England and Wales, every death is now checked by a medical examiner before it can be registered. A medical examiner is a senior doctor who wasn't involved in the person's care. They review the cause of death to make sure it's accurate.

The medical examiner's office may contact you to explain the cause of death and answer any questions you have. You don't have to speak to them if you'd rather not.

You must wait until the medical examiner's office confirms that you can register the death

This can take a few days, so it's worth knowing before you try to book an appointment. The medical certificate of cause of death is usually sent to the registrar directly - check with the medical examiner's office if you're unsure.

If the death has been reported to a coroner, you can't register it until the coroner gives permission.

Time limits

England and Wales

Within 5 days of the medical examiner's office confirming you can register

Northern Ireland

Within 5 days

Scotland

Within 8 days

Who can register the death

If the person died in a house or a hospital, the death can usually be registered by:

• a relative
• someone who was there when they died
• someone living in the house
• a hospital official
• the person arranging the funeral with the funeral director

If they died somewhere else, it can usually be registered by a relative, someone who was there, the person who found them, or the person in charge of the body.

Funeral directors can't register a death on your behalf.

Booking an appointment

Contact the register office in the area where the person died - registering there is quickest. Most register offices need an appointment. Some councils can offer an urgent appointment when a funeral needs to happen quickly, for example for religious reasons, so ask when you call.

What to take with you

If you have them, take the person's:

• birth certificate
• marriage or civil partnership certificate
• NHS medical card

Don't worry if you can't find them all.

What the registrar will ask you

About the person who died:

• their full name, and any previous names, such as a maiden name
• their date and place of birth
• the date and place they died
• their last address
• their occupation
• details of any husband, wife or civil partner
• whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits

What you'll be given

A certificate for burial or cremation

Often called "the green form". Give it to your funeral director so the funeral can go ahead.

Copies of the death certificate

If you buy them.

• Details of Tell Us Once, a free service that reports the death to most government departments in one go, so you don't have to contact each one yourself.

Death certificates

You'll probably need several copies. Banks, insurers, pension providers and the probate process often each ask for an original. It's usually easiest to buy them at your appointment - the register office will tell you its price.

If you need more later, copies from the General Register Office cost £12.50 each in England and Wales, or £38.50 for the priority service, which sends them the next working day if you order by 4pm.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

The process is different in Scotland and Northern Ireland. See National Records of Scotland or nidirect for the official guidance.

If the person died abroad

See our guide to registering a death overseas.

Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Checked against GOV.UK.

See also Coroners, post-mortems and inquests.

See also The medical examiner.

See also Tell Us Once.

See also When someone dies in Scotland.