How to register a death

What documents/information will I need to bring?

To register the death you will need to have the medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor of the deceased. This may be a general practitioner or a hospital doctor. Please take this certificate with you when you attend the register office.

The informant should also bring a form of ID with them such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of their address.

You will need to provide the following details at your appointment:

  • your relationship to the deceased
  • your full name
  • your usual address
  • the date and place of death
  • the full name of the deceased (and maiden name where appropriate)
  • their date and place of birth
  • their occupation and, if married, widowed or a civil partner or surviving civil partner, the full names and occupation of their spouse or civil partner
  • date of birth of surviving spouse or civil partner
  • their usual address
  • whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension from public funds ie. civil service, teacher, armed forces
  • their NHS number or medical card, if available.

It is important that the information recorded in the register is correct. If a mistake is made it will be difficult to change it. You should check the details in the entry very carefully before you sign.

ID: 2553, revised 09/09/2022
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