1. Obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)

• Medical Certificate: The first step is to obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from a doctor. If the person died in a hospital, the certificate will typically be provided by the hospital doctor. If the death occurred elsewhere, such as at home, you would need to contact the deceased’s GP to obtain the certificate. This document confirms the cause of death and is essential for registration.

2. Register the Death

• Timeframe: The death must be registered within five days in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or within eight days in Scotland. This period includes weekends and bank holidays.

• Where to Register: The death can be registered at any local register office in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. However, registering the death at the office closest to where the person died is recommended, as it allows you to receive the necessary documents immediately. It’s advisable to call ahead and check if you need to make an appointment.

• Who Can Register the Death: The death is typically registered by a close relative. If no relatives are available, the death can be registered by someone present at the time of death, a person arranging the funeral, or someone in charge of the body (e.g., a hospital official).

3. Information Required for Registration

When you go to register the death, you will need to provide the following information about the deceased:

• Full name at the time of death
• Any previous names, such as a maiden name
• Date and place of birth
• Last occupation (even if retired)
• Marital or civil partnership status, including the full name, date of birth, and occupation of the surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were receiving any state benefits or pensions
• Your full name, address, and relationship to the deceased

You will also need to bring identification and proof of address for yourself.

4. Documents You Will Receive

• Death Certificate: Upon registration, you will receive one copy of the death certificate. You may need to purchase additional copies, depending on the number of institutions (e.g., banks, insurance companies) that need to be notified of the death. Typically, four to six copies are recommended. Extra copies can be obtained at the time of registration or later.

• Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green Form): This form is required for arranging the burial or cremation and should be given to the funeral director. If a coroner is involved, the process may differ slightly.

5. If a Coroner Is Involved

A doctor may refer the death to a coroner if:

• The cause of death is unknown, violent, or unnatural
• The death was sudden and unexplained
• The death occurred during an operation or medical procedure
• The deceased was not seen by a doctor within 28 days prior to their death

If a coroner is involved, the process of registering the death may be delayed. The coroner will either issue a certificate stating that a post-mortem is not required, allowing you to proceed with registration, or they will conduct further investigations. If a post-mortem is required, the coroner will release the body for the funeral once the cause of death is established. The coroner will also provide any necessary paperwork if cremation is requested.