Who can register a death and what documents will you need?

The following people can register a death:

• a relative
• someone who was with the person when they died
• someone who lives at the address where the person died
• someone who is arranging the funeral (but not the undertaker)

Information the registrar will need about the person who has died:

• date of death
• where the death occurred
• full name (including any other names they may have been known by)
• date of birth
• where they were born
• occupation
• address
• your name and address

If available (but don’t worry if not),  take the deceased person’s

• birth certificate
• marriage or civil partnership certificate

Documents the registrar will give you:

• certificate for burial or cremation (the green form) - give this to the funeral director
• certificate (form BD8) which is used for benefit purposes

If the death has been reported to the coroner, the registrar will tell you whether or not a cremation or burial certificate has been issued.

Recording of spouses and civil partners

In the case of a married man or widower, the registrar will record the wife’s full name and occupation.
In the case of a married woman or widow, the registrar will record the maiden surname and the husband’s full name and occupation.
In the case of a civil partner or surviving civil partner, the registrar will record the partner’s full name and occupation.