When the world narrows down, paperwork can feel impossibly heavy. Registering a death is one of those
necessary tasks that turns grief into procedures but when done right, it brings certainty, and the start of practical
next steps. This guide explains exactly how to register a death in the UK in 2026 so you can get it done with as
little stress as possible.

1. Get the medical certificate. The doctor who cared for the person issues the certificate confirming the
cause of death. If the cause is unclear, the coroner may be involved.

2. Book a registrar appointment. Find a local register office and book an appointment, many offices allow
same-week slots.

3. Attend the appointment with required documents. The registrar will record details and explain options
(burial or cremation).

4. Receive the documents. You will be given:
- A death certificate (official for probate, banks, pensions). Get multiple copies.
- A green or pink form (for cremation or burial) if needed.

5. Use the certificate to start practical next steps: contact the deceased’s bank, employer, pension
providers, and organ donation services (if relevant). 
 

Who should register the death?

• Usually a close relative: spouse/partner, parent, child, or sibling.
   
• If no relative is available, a friend or an official (e.g., hospital staff) can register.
   
• For deaths abroad or complex cases, consular or embassy guidance may be needed.
  
   

When and where to register?

• England and Wales: within 5 days of death at the local register office where the person died.
   
• Scotland: usually within 8 days.
   
• Northern Ireland: within 5 days.
   
• If the death occurred in hospital, hospice, care home or at home, register at the register office for that area (many councils now offer appointments and online booking).
   

Documents and information to help with registration.

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (given by a doctor).
   
• Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and last address.
   
• NHS number (if known).
   
• Date and place of death.
   
• Occupation (or last occupation) of the deceased.
   
• Birth certificate and marriage or civil partnership certificate (if available).
   
• National Insurance number (if known).
   
• Your ID (passport or driving licence) and contact details.
   
• Any NHS organ donation paperwork or preferences (if applicable).

If the death is unexpected or requires investigation, the coroner may delay registration until their inquiry or
post-mortem is complete. The coroner will advise you on next steps and provide the necessary paperwork.

 

Why do you need to register a death?

To obtain an official death certificate you must first register the death. The certificate records the date, time and
cause of death and is the essential document you’ll need to arrange the funeral, begin probate proceedings and
settle the deceased’s affairs.
 

How many death certificates should I get?

Order several certified copies, organisations often require originals. A practical starting point is 6–10 copies:
banks, pension providers, probate, utility companies, and your funeral director may all request one.


If this feels overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Use our free Funeral Planing tool to capture the
details you’ll need, save progress, and share with family or your funeral director. It only takes a few minutes to
start and can make the next steps simpler.