Registration

When someone dies, the death must be registered in one of the offices for the district where the death took place. These are listed in a document which you can download by clicking on this link:

Registrars of Births, Deaths and Marriages

In special cases you can attend a registrar in a different area to make a declaration, but the death is still registered where they died and this takes time to complete.
Under normal circumstances the GP or hospital doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

Who can register?

• A close relative
• A relative in attendance during the last illness
• A relative living in the district where the death occurred
• A person present at death
• The person causing the funeral to take place

What documents do I need to take to the Registrar?

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• Medical Card
• Birth Certificate or any information regarding Date of Birth

The Registrar will need to know the following information:

• Date and place of death
• Full name of the deceased (Maiden name if married woman)
• Home address
• Date and place of birth
• Occupation
• If married, full name of surviving spouse

The Registrar will then give you:

• A green certificate which should be given to the Funeral Director as soon as possible
• A white certificate (BD8) for the Department of Work and Pensions. This is to stop any benefits from the DWP and should be handed in at the local office or sent in the envelope provided
• Certified copies of the entry for insurance companies,. banks, building societies and solicitors. These are currently £3.50 each and you can purchase as many as you need.

If the Coroner is Involved