Registering a death 

All deaths must be registered at the Registry Office within the district where the death occurred and within five working days of the death. 

You should contact the Registry Office to make an appointment and we would advise you to do this as soon as the ‘Medical Cause of Death Certificate’ has been issued by the practitioner. When you book your appointment, please ensure that the ‘Medical Cause of Death Certificate’ has been sent over to the registry office 

If the death has been referred to the Coroner, the bereavement officer will advise you how and when to register the death. 

 The Registry Office will need to know the following about the deceased:

• Full name
• Date and place of birth (you’ll need an original birth certificate if possible)
• Last known address
• Age
• Last occupation
• Whether they received a state pension or any other benefits
• Marital status (Bring Marriage Certificate where applicable)
• The age of the surviving Widow/ Widower

The Registry Office will need to know the following about the person registering the death:

• Full name
• Address
• Relationship to the deceased

Please ensure you bring proof of your name and address.

• A Death Certificate - there is a cost for a death certificate and this will vary depending on which borough the death occurred in. You also have the opportunity to buy additional copies.
• A Green Certificate: This gives authorisation for a burial or cremation to take place. This form is not issued if there has been a coroner's post mortem or if the deceased is being repatriated. If one has been issued, please bring the Green Certificate to us as soon as possible.
• A Certificate of Registration of Death. This is for Social Security purposes.