Practical Tasks
How to Register a Death in England and Wales: A Complete Guide
A clear, step-by-step guide to registering a death in England and Wales — who can do it, what documents you need, costs, and exactly what to expect.
Phil Balderson
11 FEBRUARY 2026 · 3 MIN READ
How to Register a Death in England and Wales: A Complete Guide
Registering a death is one of the very first administrative tasks you'll need to complete after someone dies. This guide explains exactly what you need to do, in plain language.
Who needs to register the death?
In England and Wales, a death must be registered within five days of it occurring (unless a coroner is involved).
The following people are legally entitled to register the death:
- A relative of the deceased
- Someone who was present at the death
- Someone who is arranging the funeral
- The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
- An administrator from the hospital if the death took place there
Before you can register: getting the Medical Certificate
Before you can register the death, a doctor must issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
In some cases, the death must be referred to a coroner — for example, if the cause of death is unknown, or if the death was sudden or unexpected. If a coroner is involved, the five-day registration deadline does not apply until you have their certificate.
Where to register the death
You must register the death at the Register Office in the district where the death occurred. Find your nearest office at gov.uk/register-offices. Most offices require an appointment.
What documents do you need?
Essential:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Helpful to bring:
- The deceased's NHS number or Medical Card
- Birth certificate
- Passport or driving licence
- National Insurance number
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- Details of any pension or benefits
What happens at the Register Office?
The appointment takes around 30 minutes. The registrar will ask for:
- Full name and any previous names
- Date and place of birth
- Home address
- Occupation
- Marital status and spouse's details (if applicable)
- Details of any state pension or benefits
Certificates and costs
The Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the "green form"): Free, given to the funeral director to allow the funeral to proceed.
Death Certificates: Certified copies of the death register entry.
- Each copy costs £11 in England and Wales
- Order at least 5 to 10 copies at registration
- Additional copies can be ordered later at gov.uk
The Tell Us Once service
At the end of your registration appointment, ask about the Tell Us Once service — a free government service that notifies multiple departments simultaneously:
- HMRC
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- DVLA
- Passport Office
- Your local council
More information: gov.uk/tell-us-once
Summary checklist
- Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
- Find your nearest Register Office at gov.uk
- Book an appointment
- Gather helpful documents
- Attend within 5 days of the death
- Order 5–10 death certificates
- Use the Tell Us Once service
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