Registering the Death

All deaths occurring in England and Wales must be registered within 5 days of the death unless the Coroner’s involvement prevents this. Registering the death should take place in the District where the death occurred.

If you are unable to attend where the death occurred then you may be able to  make a declaration of death at another Register Office in England and Wales.  Please contact your local Register Office to ask whether this service is available at the moment.

In certain circumstances the death may be referred to the Coroner, either by the Doctor or the Registrar.  The Coroner will decide whether to carry out a post-mortem examination or to hold an inquest or he may decide that no action be taken if he/she is satisfied as to the cause of death.  The Coroner will send a certificate to the Registrar so that the death can be registered.   If a burial has been arranged the Green Certificate will be issued by the Registrar for you to give to us.  With a cremation the Coroner will issue a certificate directly to the Funeral Director or Crematorium.

Almost all Register Offices operate an appointment only system and if you wish, we can make the appointment on your behalf.