Registering a Death in the UK: A Compassionate Guide to Taking the First Steps

When a loved one passes away, the days that follow can feel overwhelming, filled with grief and the practical responsibilities of honouring their memory. One of the first steps you’ll need to take is registering the death, a process that provides the essential paperwork to arrange the funeral, notify government departments, and begin settling the estate. At DAR Funeral Repatriation, we understand how challenging this time can be, and we’re here to support you with clear, compassionate guidance.

Registering a death in the UK is a straightforward process, and this guide is designed to walk you through it with care, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

How Long Do You Have to Register a Death?

We know that the days following a loss can feel like a blur, and it’s important to remember that you don’t need to rush this step—there is time to breathe and grieve. However, there is a time limit for registering a death, which varies depending on where you are in the UK:

• England, Wales, or Northern Ireland: You have five days to register the death.

• Scotland: You have eight days to complete the registration.

If the circumstances of the death require an investigation by a coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland), the registration process will be paused until they provide permission to proceed. This can feel like an added burden during an already difficult time but rest assured that this is a standard procedure to ensure everything is handled with care. For more information on what to expect during a coroner’s investigation, you can find helpful resources here. 

Who Can Register a Death?

Registering a death is a deeply personal responsibility, and it’s often taken on by someone close to the person who has passed away. While this is typically a close relative such as a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, we understand that every family’s circumstances are unique, and there are other options if a close relative is unable to take on this role. In such cases, the following people may register the death:

• Any relative, including in-laws.

• Someone who was present when the person passed away.

• Someone who lives at, or is responsible for, the address where the person passed away.

• The person arranging the funeral (though this does not include the funeral director).

In Northern Ireland, additional individuals who may register the death include:

• A governor, matron, or chief officer of the public building where the person passed away.

• The executor or administrator of the estate (this also applies in Scotland).

• Someone who has found or is taking charge of the body.

If you’re unsure who should take on this responsibility, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone—our team at DAR Funeral Repatriation is here to provide guidance and support.

What Do You Need to Register a Death?

When you attend the appointment to register the death, the only document you absolutely need is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which will be provided by the hospital or the GP who attended to your loved one.

To make the process as smooth as possible, it may be helpful to bring a few additional documents, if you have them available:

• Birth certificate.

• NHS medical card or number.

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.

• Proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

• Driving licence.

• Council tax bill.

Please don’t worry if you don’t have all of these documents—they are not essential. As long as you can provide the following information, the registration can proceed:

• The full name of the person who passed away.

• Their maiden name, if applicable.

• Their date and place of birth.

• The date and place of death.

• Their address.

• Their marital status.

• Their most recent occupation.

• The full name, occupation, and date of birth of their spouse or civil partner.

• The full names, occupations, and dates of birth of their parents, if the person who passed away was a child.

• The name and address of their GP.

• Their benefits status, including details of any pensions.

Our team at DAR Funeral Repatriation is here to help you gather and organise this information if needed, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.

What Will the Registrar Give You After Registering a Death?

Once the death is registered, the registrar will provide you with important documents to help you move forward with funeral arrangements and other responsibilities. These documents vary slightly depending on where you are in the UK, and the staff will guide you through what each one is for:

If you are registering a death in England or Wales, you will receive:

• A green-coloured certificate for burial or cremation, which should be given to the funeral director to proceed with arrangements.

• A certificate of registration of death (form BD8), which you may need to fill out and post using the supplied envelope if your loved one was receiving a state pension or benefits.

• Copies of the death certificate, which you will need to purchase. These are essential for settling the estate and notifying relevant organisations.

If you’re registering a death in Scotland, you will receive:

• A certificate for registration of death (Form 14), which allows the funeral to proceed.

• A registration or notification of death (Form 334/SI), which is used for updating benefits records.

• An extract of the entry recorded in the Register of Deaths, which you will need to purchase. This is the Scottish equivalent of the death certificate and is used when settling the estate.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you’ll receive:

• A GRO21 Form, which is equivalent to the green certificate and should be given to the funeral director.

• A certificate of registration of death (Form 36/BD8), which is used for updating benefits records.

• Copies of the death certificate, which you will need to purchase. These are essential for settling the estate.

We understand that receiving these documents can feel like a stark reminder of your loss, but they are an important part of ensuring your loved one’s wishes are honoured. If you need help understanding or using these documents, our team at DAR Funeral Repatriation is here to assist.

How Much Does Registering a Death Cost?

We want to reassure you that registering a death itself is free, meaning there’s no financial burden for taking this important step. However, you will need to pay for any copies of the death certificate you order, as these are essential for settling the estate and notifying organisations. The cost of these copies varies depending on where you are in the UK:

• England and Wales: Copies cost £11 each if purchased at the time of registration.

• Northern Ireland: Copies cost £8 each if purchased at the time of registration.

• Scotland: Copies cost £10 each if purchased at the time of registration.

If you need to order additional copies later, the cost may increase by about £2 in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so it’s often more economical to purchase the number of copies you think you’ll need at the time of registration. If you’re unsure how many copies you might need, our team at DAR Funeral Repatriation can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.

ConclusionRegistering a death is one of the first steps in the journey of honouring your loved one’s memory, and while it may feel overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. By understanding the process and knowing that support is available, you can take this step with confidence, allowing you to focus on grieving and celebrating your loved one’s life.

DAR Funeral Repatriation offers compassionate guidance and practical assistance, whether you’re registering a death at home or facing the added challenges of a loss abroad. If you need help or further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today, or explore our services to see how we can ease the burden during this difficult time.