Who is allowed to register a death?

In order of preference: a relative of the deceased, someone present at the death, the person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director), or the occupier of the building where the death happened. Most often it is the next of kin — but anyone in those categories can do it.

Which register office do I use?

The one for the district where the person died, not where they lived. If that is far away, you can make a declaration at any register office in England and Wales and they forward it — but this delays the certificates by a few days, so registering in the correct district is faster.

What documents do I need to register a death?

The medical certificate of cause of death (usually sent electronically by the doctor), plus if available: the deceased's birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, NHS medical card, and proof of their address. Bring your own ID. Do not worry if you cannot find everything — the registrar can still proceed.

How much does a death certificate cost?

£12.50 per copy in England and Wales (as of July 2026). Order at least three to five copies — banks, pension providers, insurers and solicitors frequently require original certificates, and you will want them back quickly.

Can I register a death online?

No — registration is by appointment at a register office, usually in person (some offices offer telephone appointments). What you can do online afterwards is Tell Us Once, using the reference the registrar gives you.

How to Register a Death UK: 5-Day Rule (2026)

How to register a death in England & Wales

Quick answer

Register the death within 5 days at the register office for the district where the person died, by booking an appointment. Bring the medical certificate (usually sent electronically by the doctor), the person's documents if you have them, and your ID. Certificates cost £12.50 each — order several. The registrar will give you a Tell Us Once reference before you leave.

The 5-day rule (and when it doesn't apply)

In England and Wales a death must be registered within five days— Scotland allows eight. In practice the clock matters less than the paperwork: you cannot register until a doctor has issued the medical certificate, and if the coroner is involved you must wait for the coroner's documents. Register offices understand this — just book as early as you can. Appointments typically last 30–40 minutes.

What happens at the appointment

The registrar will ask for the deceased's full name (and any previous names), date and place of birth, occupation, usual address, and — for a married person — the surviving spouse's details and date of birth. You check and sign the register entry. You will leave with:

Death certificates (£12.50 each) — order several originals for banks and insurers.
A certificate for burial or cremation (the "green form") — free, and needed by the funeral director.
A Tell Us Once reference number — see how Tell Us Once works.
Form BD8 if the person received a state pension or benefits (often handled via Tell Us Once now).

Common snags

Wrong district: you can register by declaration at your local office, but certificates arrive days later — go to the right district if speed matters.
Coroner cases: the coroner sends paperwork directly to the registrar and will tell you when you can book. An interim death certificate covers most admin in the meantime.
Missing documents: helpful, not essential. The registration can proceed on the information you give.
Stillbirths and neonatal deaths have a different registration process — the hospital or register office will guide you.

What comes after registration

Registration unlocks everything else: the funeral can go ahead, Tell Us Once can be submitted, and banks and pension providers can act on the certificate. Follow the full sequence in our what to do when someone dies checklist, and check whether the estate needs probate with the probate checker.