When someone dies there is much to be done. You will have to obtain a medical certificate showing the cause of death, register the death, arrange the funeral and decide what to do with property and possessions.
How to register a death.The death must be registered by the Registrar of Birth and Deaths for the sub-district in which it has occurred. You can find the address in the telephone book under "Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages" or from the doctor, local council, post office or police station. Alternatively check out our directory of local services by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
Check when the Registrar will be available and whether only you need to go along. It may be that someone other than you will be needed to give information for the death to be registered.
If the death has been referred to a coroner, it cannot be registered until the Registrar has received authority from the coroner to do so. If the death has not been referred to the coroner, go to the Registrar as soon as possible. The death must be registered within five days (unless the Registrar says this period may be exceeded).
As from April 1 1997, it has been possible to give the information for registration to any Registrar in England and Wales. You will need to attend your chosen Registrar's office to make a declaration of the particulars of the deceased. The declaration will then be forwarded to the Registrar for the sub-district where the death took place, where it will be registered. There may be some delay in certificates being issued, as this cannot be done until the death has been registered.
What you need to take to the Register Office.
- The Medical Certificate of the cause of death;
- The deceased's medical card, if possible;
- The Pink Form (form 100), if one has been given to you by the coroner;
- The deceased's birth and marriage certificate, if available.
What you need to tell the Registrar.
- The deceased's last (usual) address;
- The deceased's first names and surname (and maiden name, where appropriate);
- The deceased's date and place of birth (town and county if born in the UK and country if born abroad;)
- The deceased's occupation and the name and occupation of his/her spouse;
- Whether the deceased was getting a pension or allowance from public funds;
- If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower.
What the Registrar should give you.
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the Green Form), unless the coroner has given you an Order for Burial (form 101) or a Certificate for Cremation (form E). These give permission for the body to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made. It should be taken to the funeral director so that the funeral can be held.
- A Certificate of Registration Death (form BD8(rev)). This is for Social Security purposes only. Read the information on the back of the certificate. If any of it applies, fill in the certificate and show it to your Social Security office.
- Leaflets about widow's benefit and income tax for widows, where appropriate.