Register a death
You normally need to register a death within five days. If the coroner is involved it may take longer.
- Telephone: 0300 123 7037
Your appointment will take around half an hour.
It is free of charge to register a death.
Death certificates
The registrar will give you:
- A certificate for burial or cremation
- A certificate of Registration of Death
If you want a Death Certificate (certified copy of death entry) you can buy this from the Registrar at the time for £4.
If you need a copy of either certificate at a later date, the fee will be either £7 or £10.
If you will be dealing with the deceased's estate you are likely to need several copies.
Who should register a death
Most deaths are registered by a relative but the registrar will allow others if no relatives are available.
This includes:
- a person present at the death
- a person arranging the funeral (this does not mean the funeral director)
In certain circumstances other people, such as the administrator of an elderly persons' home, can register a death.
Further information
Information on documents you may need are available at: