Deaths and funerals

Registering a death:

A ‘qualified’ informant is needed to register a death. Normally this means a relative of the deceased, but if there are no relatives, then it is possible for other persons to register.

A relative of the deceased. 

A person present at the death.

The owner/manager/matron of residential home or hospital administrator (where the death occurred).

The person responsible for organising the funeral.

You will be asked by the registrar for the following information concerning the deceased:

Date and place of death.

Full names of deceased, including maiden name where appropriate.

Date and place of birth.

Occupation.

Name and occupation of spouse, where the deceased was married or widowed.

Name and occupation of civil partner, where the deceased was in a civil partnership or was a surviving civil partner.

Usual address of the deceased.

If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving spouse or civil partner.

Was the deceased receiving any pensions or allowances from public funds.

NHS medical card (if it is available).

When the death has been entered in the register by the registrar, you will be issued with the following (free of charge):

A green certificate for burial or cremation - to be delivered to your funeral director. For some registrations this form will have been issued by the coroner. The registrar will advise you if this is the case.

Form BD8 for cancellation of state pension/benefits - This form is for the Department of Social Security (DSS). You will need to complete the form and send it to your local DSS office.

Certified copies of the death certificate are available at the time of registration for a small fee. You may need these for insurance or probate purposes.