Registration Procedure

It is easier to register a death with the Registrars of Births and Deaths in the same district as the death occurred. It is possible to attend the registry office of another district and confirm the information by declaration, although this process does add a time delay. 

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (commonly referred to as The Death Certificate) will be completed and emailed, by the doctor who has cared for the deceased, and is aware of the medical reason for their passing. This is sent directly to the Medical Examiner, alongside a brief report of their medical history. The Medical Examiner, is an independent doctor who has the duty to check that the facts stated on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death are accurate and relevant, in addition to liaising with the family to ensure the facts stated by the doctor match their knowledge, and to check there isn’t any cause for concern with the care received. Once all of this has been reviewed, providing there are no concerns, the Medical Examiner will send the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the registrar’s and explain how to book an appointment at the relevant registry office, within 5 days of the Medical Examiner’s approval being granted. 

Once an appointment is confirmed, the death should be registered in person at the Registry office. This should be done by a relative or an executor. However, if there are no relatives then someone, such as a person who was present at the death, a senior administrator of the establishment in which the death occurred or the person arranging the funeral, can register. (Please note that this cannot be done by the Funeral Director). 

There is the possibility that the coroner may become involved if a doctor cannot provide all the information required for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, such as an unknown cause, if the passing is related to an industrial illness, or if there are concerns of the care received proceeding the passing.   

Death certificates cost £12.50 each. They are required by solicitors, banks, building societies and other financial institutions.