|
REGISTERING A DEATH
The death must usually be
registered by the closest relative, but if this is not possible
then someone who was either present when the death occurred or
the person responsible for arranging the funeral service may be
able to register instead. An executor is not automatically
entitled to register a death. Further information on persons
able to register is available from any Registrar’s Office.
When must a death be registered?
Legally, the death must be registered within five days of it
occurring - though this period may be extended in certain
circumstances, for example when the Coroner has been consulted.
Where do I go to register a
death?
Usually the death must be registered in the district in
which it occurs but in certain cases (if the person legally
responsible for registering the death is unable to attend the
local registrar’s office) the registration can be completed by
declaration. This can delay the funeral taking place as all form
will need to be posted. We will advise you of your local
registrar’s office.
What questions will the Register
ask?
The Registrar will need to know the following:-
-
The date and place of death.
-
The deceased’s last (usual)
address.
-
The deceased’s full names and
surnames (and the maiden surname where appropriate)
-
The deceased’s date and place of
birth (town and county if born in the United Kingdom, and
country if born abroad).
-
The deceased’s occupation and
the name and occupation of their spouse, and of previous
spouses (if appropriate).
-
Whether the deceased was
receiving a pension or allowance from public funds.
-
If the deceased was married, the
date of birth of the surviving widow or widower.
-
Other statistical information
(some of which you are required by law to give).
What documents will I need to
take?
When you go to the Registrar’s Office you should take all
the following:-
-
The Medical Certificate of
Cause of Death (as issued by the doctor who certified
the death). If the Coroner has been informed please refer to
the additional information in
the section
regarding the Coroner.
-
The deceased’s NHS medical card
(if available).
-
Any pension book, certificate or
document relating to any pension or benefits that the
deceased was receiving from public funds.
-
It is also useful if you have
the deceased’s birth and (if applicable) marriage
certificates to hand though these documents are not
essential provided you are able to give the Registrar the
correct information.
What documents will I receive
from the Registrar?
The Registrar will give you, free of charge, the following:
-
Leaflets about Widow’s
Benefits/Income Tax for Widows (where appropriate)
-
A Certificate of
Registration of Death - Form BD8. This is for Social
Security purposes only. Read the information on the back of
the certificate and if any of it applies to you, fill in the
certificate and send it or hand it in to your Social
Security Office.
-
A Certificate for Burial
or Cremation (Green Certificate). This gives
permission for the body to be buried or for an application
for cremation to be made and should be delivered to us as
soon as possible so that the funeral can take place.
-
If the Coroner has been involved
(please refer to the additional information in
the section regarding the
Coroner) one of the following may have been made
available in place of the above :-
What about death certificates?
The death certificate is a certified copy of the entry in
the Register of Deaths. The Registrar can issue copies of this
on payment of a fee and this is currently £11.00 per copy (when
issued from register currently in use). The "original" is the
actual entry in the register and any copies issued from it carry
the statutory fee.
How many copies will I need and
who will need them?
You may need a death certificate for the will and for any
pension claims, insurance policies, bank accounts and premium
bonds. It is easier to purchase these copies at the time you
visit the Registrar. |
