How to Register a Death in the UK: Steps, Documents & Costs

Losing someone you love is hard enough without the pressure of official paperwork. Yet registering the death is a necessary legal step that unlocks everything else — from arranging a funeral or cremation to closing accounts and sorting the estate. When you’re grieving, deadlines, documents and differing rules can feel overwhelming.

This guide makes the process clear and manageable. In plain English, it explains what to do first, how to get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork), how to book and prepare for the register office appointment, and what you’ll receive on the day. You’ll also find practical advice on Tell Us Once, who can register, how many certificates to buy, and what it all costs.

We’ll set out the timelines (5 days in England and Wales, 8 days in Scotland), key differences across the UK nations, and what happens if the death occurred abroad, on a ship or aircraft — or if you can’t meet the deadline. Step by step, you’ll know exactly what to do next.

Step 1. Check what to do immediately when someone dies

In the first hours, focus on safety, getting the death verified, and preserving the person’s wishes. If the death was expected at home, contact the GP or out‑of‑hours service; if it was sudden or unexpected, call 999. In a hospital or care home, staff will arrange verification and advise about the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Before you begin how to register a death in the UK, take these practical steps.

• Make the space safe and take a moment: Switch off hazards, close windows, and give yourself time.
• Arrange verification of death: GP/district nurse for expected deaths; 999 if unexpected. Care settings handle this.
• Check organ donation wishes: Tell clinicians promptly if donation was registered or discussed.
• Inform the next of kin: Let close family know and agree immediate decisions.
• Secure property, pets and valuables: Lock doors, care for animals, note meter readings if needed.
• Gather essentials: NHS number, GP details, photo ID, any advance care plans, and medications.
• Seek guidance before moving the person if a coroner may be involved: Follow advice from the police/medical team.
• Consider care of the deceased: You can contact a funeral director or direct cremation provider to arrange transfer once advised it’s appropriate.

Step 2. Get the medical certificate of cause of death (or coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork)

Before you start on how to register a death in the UK, you need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) or, if there’s an investigation, documents from the coroner (England and Wales) or procurator fiscal (Scotland). This proof of cause is required for registration.

• Home or care home (expected): The GP or attending doctor issues the MCCD once the cause is confirmed.
• Hospital: The bereavement office arranges the MCCD and will tell you when and where to collect it.
• If referred to the coroner/procurator fiscal: Do not try to register yet. They’ll investigate and then issue the paperwork needed for registration and funeral arrangements.

When the MCCD or coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork is ready, book the register office appointment.

Step 3. Note the deadline and where to register (5 days in England and Wales, 8 days in Scotland)

There are strict timeframes for how to register a death in the UK. You must register within 5 days in England and Wales, or 8 days in Scotland — weekends and bank holidays count. If a coroner (or procurator fiscal in Scotland) is involved, you’ll register after they issue the necessary paperwork. Act promptly once you have the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death or the coroner/fiscal authorisation.

• England & Wales: Register within 5 days at the local register office for the area where the person died. Book an appointment.
• Scotland: Register within 8 days with the local registrar in the council area of death. Book an appointment.
• If the coroner/procurator fiscal is investigating: Wait for their confirmation; the clock effectively pauses until they authorise registration.
• Not sure which office? Check your local council website or GOV.UK to find the correct register office and booking details.

Step 4. Confirm who can register the death

To keep things simple when working out how to register a death in the UK, start by checking you’re an eligible informant. The law prioritises relatives, but there is some flexibility if family can’t attend. If in doubt, call the local register office and they’ll confirm who can register a death for your situation.

• A relative: Spouse or civil partner, parent, child, or sibling usually registers.
• Someone present at the death: For example, a friend or staff member who witnessed it.
• If no relatives are available: Another suitable person can register — typically someone responsible at the place of death or the person taking responsibility for arrangements.
• Coroner/procurator fiscal cases: They’ll advise who should register once their inquiries are complete.

Step 5. Book an appointment with the local register office

Once you have the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or coroner/procurator fiscal authorisation), book an in‑person appointment to register at the office for the area where the person died. Don’t delay — appointments can be limited and the 5‑ or 8‑day clock applies once paperwork is ready. If a coroner or procurator fiscal is involved, wait until they confirm you can book.

• Choose the correct office: It must be in the district where the death occurred.
• Book by phone or online: Via the council/register office website.
• Have basics to hand: Deceased’s full name, date/place of death, GP/hospital, your relationship, and MCCD status.
• Ask practicals: What to bring, accessibility/interpreters, certificate payment, and whether Tell Us Once is offered.
• If you can’t attend: Ask about alternatives or another eligible informant registering.

Step 6. Gather the documents and information you’ll need

Being prepared makes the register office appointment quicker and calmer. For how to register a death in the UK, bring the official cause‑of‑death paperwork and anything that helps confirm the person’s identity, address and marital status. If you can’t find something, don’t postpone — book the appointment and the registrar will advise what’s essential.

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD): Or the coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork.
• Your ID (as the informant): For example, your passport or driving licence.

Helpful to bring for the person who died (if available):

• Passport and/or driving licence
• Birth certificate
• NHS card (medical card)
• Council tax bill or similar proof of address
• Marriage or civil partnership certificates
• Change of name documents (for example, deed poll)

These documents help the registrar record names, dates and addresses accurately, reducing delays or corrections later. Keep everything together in a folder, along with any notes about spellings (including middle names and former surnames). When you’re ready, you’ll move on to the appointment itself — what the registrar will ask and what you’ll receive on the day.

Step 7. Attend the appointment: what the registrar will ask and what you’ll receive

At the appointment, the registrar uses the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork) to create the official record. They’ll confirm personal details and enter them into the register. This is a key stage in how to register a death in the UK, so bring notes on spellings and any previous names to avoid corrections later.

The registrar will typically ask for:

• Full name and any former names
• Date and place of birth
• Date, place and cause of death (from the medical paperwork)
• Usual address
• Occupation (and whether retired)
• Marital or civil partnership status and partner’s full name/occupation
• GP details and, if available, NHS number

Once you agree the entry, you’ll be asked to sign it. You can then buy certified copies of the death certificate (useful for banks and insurers). The registrar will also issue the document needed to arrange a burial or cremation, unless this comes directly from the coroner/procurator fiscal. If Tell Us Once is offered locally, they’ll explain how to use it next.

You’ll receive:

• Certified copies of the death certificate (for a fee)
• Paperwork authorising burial or cremation
• Information on notifying government services (where available)

Bring a payment card, double‑check spellings, and ask how to order extra certificates if you need more later when registering the death.

Step 8. Use Tell Us Once and notify banks, utilities and other organisations

After the registrar records the death, make notifications quickly to prevent problems like missed payments or identity fraud. If Tell Us Once is available in your area, the registrar will explain how to use it. This free service passes the death details to multiple government services in one go, saving you time and repeated conversations.

You’ll still need to contact private companies and organisations yourself. Most have dedicated bereavement teams who can guide you, put a temporary hold on accounts, and tell you what documents they need. Keep a simple log of who you’ve told and any reference numbers; it makes follow‑up easier as you work through how to register a death in the UK and its practical aftermath.

Key contacts to notify include:

• Banks and building societies: Freeze accounts and stop cards/direct debits.
• Pension providers and insurers: Claim benefits and end policies.
• Utility suppliers: Gas, electricity, water, broadband/mobile.
• Landlord, mortgage provider or housing association: Discuss tenancy or mortgage options.
• Council services: Council tax, housing benefits, blue badge, library.
• Employer and GP/dentist: Payroll, company benefits, and medical records.
• Subscriptions and memberships: Streaming, clubs, loyalty schemes.
• Mail preference services: Reduce post and help prevent identity theft.

Step 9. Understand fees and how many death certificate copies to buy

There’s no fee to register a death in the UK, but you will pay for certified copies of the death certificate. Prices are set locally or nationally depending on where you live; the register office will confirm the current charge. Buying certificates at your appointment is usually simplest (and can be better value than ordering later), and you can pay by card. You can always order more copies afterwards if needed.

How many to buy depends on the estate and who you must notify. Many organisations accept scans, but some still insist on an original. Tell Us Once handles most government departments, so fewer originals are needed for those.

Consider extra originals for:

• Banks, pensions and insurers: Some require an original to close or release funds.
• Probate and property matters: Solicitors, conveyancers and the Land Registry may ask for originals.
• Investments and share registrars: Often prefer originals for re-registration.
• Overseas assets or admin: Additional copies are helpful if authorities abroad are involved.

A practical approach is to purchase several at the appointment so you can progress tasks in parallel, keep a simple log of where each copy goes, and order more if requested later.

Step 10. If the coroner or procurator fiscal is involved

Sometimes a death is referred to the coroner (England and Wales) or procurator fiscal (Scotland) — for example when the cause of death is unclear or the death was unexpected. In these cases, pause your plans for how to register a death in the UK until they finish their enquiries and authorise registration and the funeral.

What to expect:

• Investigation and possible post‑mortem: You’ll be told if an examination is needed and when the person can be released to your funeral director.
• Registration waits for their paperwork: The coroner/procurator fiscal sends the necessary documents to the registrar. You’ll then be told to book your appointment.
• Cremation needs specific authorisation: Extra coroner/fiscal paperwork is sent to the crematorium so a cremation can lawfully proceed.
• Timescales vary: Enquiries can take days or longer; the legal registration deadline effectively pauses until authorisation is given.
• If an inquest is opened: Final registration usually happens after it concludes. You’ll be given documents to manage practical matters and, where allowed, to proceed with the funeral.

Throughout, keep in touch with the coroner’s/fiscal’s office and your chosen funeral director or direct cremation provider so arrangements can move forward as soon as it’s permitted.

Step 11. Key differences across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

The core steps for how to register a death in the UK are similar everywhere, but there are important nation‑specific rules. The main differences are deadlines, the investigating authority’s title, and some local procedures and forms. Always follow the guidance from the register office for the area where the death happened.

• England & Wales: Register within 5 days. Any investigation is handled by the coroner. Book with the register office for the district of death; many offices also offer the Tell Us Once service.
• Scotland: Register within 8 days. Investigations are managed by the procurator fiscal. Make an appointment with the local council registrar where the death occurred; paperwork and terminology may differ slightly from the rest of the UK.
• Northern Ireland: The process is similar but administered by Northern Ireland’s own registration system. You book with your local district registration office; forms, fees and some procedures can differ, so follow the office’s specific instructions.

If you’re moving arrangements across borders (for example, death in one nation and a cremation in another), the registrar or investigating authority will explain what additional documents are required and when you can proceed.

Step 12. If the death happened abroad, on a ship or aircraft

When someone dies outside the UK, the process is different but straightforward if you take it step by step. If you’re wondering how to register a death in the UK when the death happened abroad, the key point is you usually register it in the country where it occurred, then use those documents for UK arrangements and notifications.

• Register locally first: Contact the local civil registration office where the death happened and obtain an official death certificate.
• Ask the UK consulate for guidance: They can advise on local procedures, certified translations, and how the documents will be used in the UK.
• Order multiple copies and translations: Get several official copies and, if not in English, certified translations for UK banks, insurers and estate work.
• If the person died on a foreign ship or aircraft: You must register the death in the country, in line with official guidance.
• Repatriation or ashes to the UK: Use a UK funeral director experienced in international cases to coordinate paperwork, transport and any required authorities.
• Using documents in the UK: You won’t normally re‑register the death here; you’ll use the foreign certificate (and translation) to handle UK notifications and estate matters.

Keep receipts, reference numbers and contact details from local authorities for later UK administration.

Step 13. If you can’t meet the deadline or can’t register yourself

If you can’t meet the 5‑ or 8‑day limit, call the register office for the area of death straight away. Explain the reason and ask for the earliest appointment. Where a coroner or procurator fiscal is involved, the clock pauses until they authorise registration. If you can’t attend, another eligible person—usually a relative or someone present at the death—may register. This keeps how to register a death in the UK on track.

• Call the register office promptly: They’ll note the delay and advise next steps.
• If there’s an investigation: Wait for coroner/procurator fiscal clearance before booking.
• If you can’t attend: Ask another eligible informant to register; you can still arrange care of the deceased in the meantime.

Step 14. After registration: arranging the funeral or a direct cremation

With the paperwork issued, you can choose the type of farewell that fits your wishes and budget. If you want a simple, unattended option, a direct cremation provider can handle collection, professional care, the legal forms, an eco-friendly coffin and the return or scattering of ashes. Prefer a service? A funeral director will arrange a burial or cremation with a ceremony. If a coroner or procurator fiscal was involved, confirm release and authorisation before setting dates. Now you’ve completed how to register a death in the UK, focus on what feels right for your family.

Key decisions to make:

• Type of arrangement: Burial or cremation with a service, or an unattended direct cremation.
• Timing and place: Ceremony now or a later celebration of life at a venue meaningful to you.
• Care and logistics: Collection, preparation, coffin choice, transport, music/tributes (if having a service).
• Ashes: Return to family or scatter in a garden of remembrance.
• Costs and clarity: Ask for a written estimate and check extras (for example, out‑of‑hours collection, larger coffin, medical device removal).

What to do next

You’ve now got a clear route through a difficult week. Focus on the essentials: secure the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (or coroner/procurator fiscal paperwork), book the register office, take the right documents, buy the certificates you’ll need, and use Tell Us Once to save time. Then choose the farewell that fits your wishes and budget.

Your 5‑minute plan:

• Book the appointment and confirm who will register.
• Prepare a document folder with IDs and certificates.
• Decide certificate copies to buy at the appointment.
• List organisations to notify and enable Tell Us Once.
• Choose the funeral route and contact your provider.

If a simple, dignified option feels right, Go Direct Cremations can help. We’re available 24/7, collect across mainland England, Scotland and Wales, handle all paperwork, provide an eco‑friendly coffin, and return or scatter ashes with clear, transparent pricing—so you can focus on what matters most.