Death Registration

Informing the registrar

The Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages must be notified of the death of a person when it occurs.

Nevertheless, in some cases, such as in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, a coroner will be involved, or a procurator fiscal will be involved.

There are several ways to register a death, including:

·      Relatives

·      An individual who was present at the time of death

·      An employee of the building where the death occurred (e.g. a hospital or nursing home) or the owner of the house.

·      Anyone involved in the arrangement of the funeral (other than the funeral director)

You must submit the following paperwork

You should check if you need to make an appointment before visiting the register office to register a death. The following steps must be taken:

·      It is mandatory for the doctor to issue a medical certificate of death

·      In the event that it is possible, please provide the deceased's NHS medical card and/or

·      An original copy of their birth certificate

·      Certificate of marriage 

Please provide the following information

Additionally, you will need to provide information about the deceased's:

·      A brief description of the death date and place

·      The full name of the individual (including any maiden name) and their last known address

·      Please provide your date of birth and place of birth

·      Employment status

·      The full name and date of birth of the spouse or civil partner (living or deceased) 

·      Social security benefits, such as pensions

You will receive the following information from the registrar

The deceased's finances and legal affairs can be managed once the death has been registered, and you will be provided with the necessary certificates and forms.

In spite of the fact that some documents are free of charge, the registrar may charge for certain items, such as certified death certificates (check with the registrar for any applicable fees).

In the case of a coroner or procurator fiscal

There are certain types of deaths that are investigated by a coroner (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) or procurator fiscal (in Scotland). Coroners or procurators fiscal are senior doctors or lawyers appointed by local authorities.

A death will be reported to the coroner or procurator fiscal in the following circumstances:

·      In the 28 days preceding death, the deceased had not been seen by a physician

·      Natural causes were not responsible for the death

·      Uncertainty, suddenness, or suspicion surrounded the death

·      A coroner or procurator fiscal must complete their investigation before such deaths can be recorded.

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