Who can register the death?


You can register the death if you’re:

  • A relative
  • Someone present at the death
  • An administrator from the hospital
  • The person making arrangements with funeral directors


What you need to do:

Take the medical certificate showing the cause of death (signed by a doctor) with you.

If available (but don’t worry if not) also take the person’s:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Driving License
  • NHS Medical card
  • Proof of address
  • Council tax bill
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate
  • Passport


You’ll need to tell the registrar:

  • The person’s full name at the time of death
  • Any names previously used, eg maiden name
  • The person’s date and place of birth
  • Their last address
  • Their occupation
  • The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
  • Whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits


Documents you’ll get:

  • A certificate for Burial or Cremation (the “green form”) – the form that gives permission for burial or cremation
  • A certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8) – you may need to fill this out and return it if the person was getting a State Pension or benefits ( the form will come with a pre-paid envelope so you know where to send it)

You can buy Certified Copies of the Entry in the Register – these are your original certificates and will be needed for sorting out the person’s affairs.