How to register a death in England, Wales or Scotland
Do you need advice on how to register a death in the UK? This guide tells you all the steps you need to take.
What you need to know
Why you must register the death
When a person dies, it's important to register their death with a local register office. This is because registering the death informs the government that the person has died and creates a formal record of the death.
Time limits for registering
There is a time limit for registering a death in the UK (unless the coroner is involved).
- The time limit is five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- The time limit is eight days in Scotland
- 
Failing to register a death is a criminal offence. If you don't register the death within the time limit, you could face a fine of up to £200.
Who can register the death
Only certain people are allowed to register a death. Any relative of the person who has died can do it. In case no relatives are available, the following people are also allowed to register the death (in England and Wales):
- Someone who was there when the person died
- The person arranging the funeral (but not the funeral director)
- An administrator from the hospital (if the person died in hospital)
How to register a death in England or Wales
1. Get the medical certificate of cause of death
A medical certificate of cause of death is a document that records how a person died. You'll need this document to register the death.
Most of the time, the doctor who attended the death will send the medical certificate directly to the local register office. The register office will then call you to make an appointment to register the death.
If the doctor is unable to issue a medical certificate, they will ask the coroner to get involved. The coroner is a special judge who's trained to investigate deaths. The coroner's investigation may take some time. That's why the usual time limits don't apply if the coroner is investigating.
The medical certificate is different to the death certificate. The medical certificate records the cause of death, while a death certificate acts as a formal record of the death.
2. Make an appointment with the local register office
Remember, in England and Wales, you have five days to register the death. This time limit starts when the register office receives the medical certificate. It includes weekends and bank holidays.
You must visit the local register office in person to register the death. In most cases, the register office will contact you to make an appointment for your visit. In certain circumstances, however, you may need to phone the office instead.
Which register office should I use?
Technically, you can register a death at any register office. However, it's best to use the office closest to where the person died. This helps avoid any delays in registering the death.
3. Visit the register office to register the death
When you make an appointment with the register office, they should let you know what information they need and which documents to bring. It's a good idea to gather these papers a few days before your visit so you won't have to rush on the day.
Try to arrive a few minutes early for your appointment. When you arrive, the registrar will explain what's happening and tell you what to do.
Once the death is registered, the registrar will provide (for free):
- A certificate for burial or cremation: this certificate is also known as 'the green form'. You need this document to start arranging the funeral. If you're working with a funeral director, you should give it to them.
- A BD8 certificate: if the person who died received government benefits or a state pension, you should send this form to the Department for Work and Pensions.
The registrar will not automatically provide a death certificate. You must pay a fee to get a copy of the death certificate. This is important if you expect the person's estate to go through probate. However, you don't need the death certificate to organise the funeral.
4. Start arranging the funeral
You can start planning the funeral as soon as you get the green form from the registrar. Most people ask a funeral director to help arrange the funeral.
If you're not sure where to start, read our guide on
how to arrange a funeral.
How to register a death in Scotland
The process for registering a death in Scotland is similar to the process in England and Wales.
However, there are a few important differences. Here's what to keep in mind.
The time limit is different
In Scotland, you have
eight days to register the death – not five.
Different people are allowed to register the death
The rules on who can register the death are different in Scotland compared to England and Wales. The following people can register a death that occurred in Scotland:

- A relative of the person who died
- Someone who was there when the person died
- Someone named as an executor in the person's will
- A solicitor who acted for the person who has died
- Someone who lived with the person who has died (if they died at home)
- In cases where none of these people can register the death, anybody can do it – as long as they:
- Know the details of the person who has died
- Have access to the right documents
You can use any registration office in Scotland
In England and Wales, the official guidance states that you should use the register office closest to where the person died. However, the Scottish Government website says you can use any registration office.
You'll receive different documents from the registrar
When you register a death in Scotland, the registrar will give you:
- A certificate of registration of death: this is the Scottish equivalent of the certificate for burial or cremation ('green form'). You should give this to your funeral director.
- A short version of the death certificate
Both these documents are free.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do you need to register a death?
This varies from person to person. When you make an appointment with the register office, the registrar should tell you what documents you need.
Here's a list of the most common documents registrars ask for:
- The birth certificate of the person who has died
- Their driving licence
- Their marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate)
- Their NHS medical card
- Their passport
- A Council Tax bill in the person's name
- Proof of the person's address (a utility bill, for example)
You'll also need a few details of the person who died. That includes their full name, any previous names, their date and place of birth and their home address.
Do you need a birth certificate to register a death?
In most cases, yes. The registrar will tell you if they don't need to see the birth certificate.
If you don't have the person's birth certificate, you can order one via the government website for a fee.
Can you register a death with an interim death certificate?
An interim death certificate is the common name for a document called a 'Coroner's Interim Certificate of Death'. This document is only issued if the coroner is investigating the death – and only in certain circumstances.
If you have this document, you can start planning the funeral and dealing with the person's estate. However, you still can't register the death until the coroner completes their investigation.
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