Who can register the death?

You can register the death if you’re:

• A relative
• Someone present at the death
• An administrator from the hospital
• The person making arrangements with funeral directors

What you need to do:

Take the medical certificate showing the cause of death (signed by a doctor) with you.

If available (but don’t worry if not) also take the person’s:

• Birth Certificate
• Driving License
• NHS Medical card
• Proof of address
• Council tax bill
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Passport

You’ll need to tell the registrar:

• The person’s full name at the time of death
• Any names previously used, eg maiden name
• The person’s date and place of birth
• Their last address
• Their occupation
• The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
• Whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits

Documents you’ll get:

A certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “green form”) – the form that gives permission for burial or cremation

A certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) – you may need to fill this out and return it if the person was getting a State Pension or benefits ( the form will come with a pre-paid envelope so you know where to send it)

You can buy Certified Copies of the Entry in the Register – these are your original certificates and will be needed for sorting out the person’s affairs.