When and where to register

When someone dies, the death must be registered by the registrar:

In England and Wales, it is possible to delay registration for a further 9 days provided that the registrar receives written confirmation that the medical cause of death certificate has been signed by a doctor.

Delays due to the involvement of the coroner or procurator fiscal are not counted within these time frames.

The registration should be made in the district in which the death occurred in England unless the death has occurred in a county that has adopted a county-wide system.

If you cannot attend a registrar in the district (or county) in England in which the death occurred you may attend elsewhere and carry out a declaration of the death. You should be aware that issue of the Death Certificate will be delayed as documents must be sent between the registrars in the post.  For deaths in Scotland the registration may be done at any Scottish registration office.

Most registrars operate appointment systems. Some operate an emergency out of office hours service for families needing immediate burial for reasons of faith. Telephone your main council switchboard to find out if there is an out of hours service.

In general, registration of the death should take place before the funeral can go ahead. Exceptions are deaths subject to investigation by the coroner or procurator fiscal. Permission for burial may be issued before full registration in certain circumstances.

Call us for help with finding the appropriate register office.