Process
How to register a death in the UK
Last updated 30 April 2026
In England and Wales, you must register a death within 5 days. In Scotland the limit is 8 days. In Northern Ireland it’s 5 days. Until the death is registered, the funeral cannot proceed, and several other things — including releasing the body to the funeral director — depend on the paperwork.
What happens first
The sequence after a death:
- A doctor confirms the death and produces a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or, in England and Wales, a Medical Examiner reviews and signs off).
- The certificate is sent to the registrar.
- The next of kin (or another qualified informant) registers the death at a register office, usually in the area where the death occurred.
- The registrar issues the Death Certificate (and the “green form”, which authorises the funeral director to proceed).
What you'll need at the registrar
- Full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the deceased.
- Date and place of death.
- Marital status; full name of any surviving spouse or civil partner.
- Last permanent address.
- Last occupation (and, for a married woman or widow, her husband’s occupation, on some forms).
- Whether the deceased was receiving a state pension or any other benefit.
Tell Us Once
In most parts of the UK, the “Tell Us Once” service lets the registrar notify central and local government — DWP, HMRC, DVLA, passport office, the local council — in a single step. Bring relevant numbers (NI number, passport, driving licence) if you want to use it.
How registration interacts with the funeral
Most funeral directors will start arrangements before registration is complete, but the funeral itself can’t go ahead until the registrar has issued the “green form”. If the death has been referred to the coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland), the timeline can extend by days or weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register a death in the UK?
5 days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 8 days in Scotland. The clock starts from the date of death.
Can someone register a death on my behalf?
The law specifies who can register: a relative, someone present at the death, the occupier of the premises where the death occurred, or the person arranging the funeral. It usually has to be done in person at the register office, though some areas allow appointments by video.
How many copies of the death certificate should I order?
Order several — typically four to six. Banks, pension providers, insurers, and probate registries usually require originals. Extra copies cost a few pounds each at the time of registration but are more expensive later.
Methodology
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