Register A Death in England & Wales: A Guide for Families

Emma Frith - Registration Team Leader, Norwich, Norfolk

Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest experiences. When that loss comes after a breast cancer journey, it can feel particularly heavy—especially if you were by their side through the ups and downs. Amid the emotions and memories, there are also practical steps that need to be taken, including registering the death. This guide is here to gently walk you through that process, so you feel a little more supported at this difficult time.

 

Why You Need to Register a Death

In England and Wales, the law requires that a death is registered within five days. It’s a legal step, but also a necessary one that allows you to start arranging the funeral, handling their estate, and notifying government departments and other organisations.

 

Who Can Register the Death?

Usually, the person who registers the death is a close relative of the person who died. If no family is available, someone present at the death, the occupier of the premises (such as a nursing home manager), or even the person arranging the funeral can take on this responsibility.

 

What Will Happen

Within a few days of the death, the Medical Examiner’s office will contact you by phone. During the call, they will explain to you what the cause of death will be recorded as. You will have the opportunity to raise any questions about the cause of death or the care received. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) will be sent to the register office local to the place of death. A Medical Examiner Officer (if the death occurred at home or in a care home) or the bereavement team (for a death in hospital) will then call you to let you know the MCCD has been sent.

To register a death, you’ll need to make an appointment at the local Register Office in the district where the person passed away. Many offices require you to book online or by phone beforehand. Your local register office will guide you on what you need to bring along to the appointment.

 

What the Registrar Will Ask

The registrar will need to record: The full name of the person who died (and any previous names), Date and place of death, Date, and place of birth,

Last known address, Occupation, Details of their spouse or civil partner (if applicable) and whether they were receiving a pension or benefits from the government

 

What You’ll Receive

Once the death is registered, you’ll receive:

A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the ‘green form’) – this is scanned directly to the funeral director.

You can also purchase certified copies of the death certificate, which you’ll need for dealing with banks, insurance companies, and legal matters.

It’s often wise to get several copies (£12.50 each at April 2025), as many organisations require originals.

 

Using the ‘Tell Us Once’ Service

To help ease the burden, the government offers a Tell Us Once service. After registering the death, the registrar may give you a unique reference number so you can notify most government departments (including the DWP, DVLA, Passport Office and more) in one go. It’s optional, but many families find it helpful.

 

A Final Thought

If you’ve just lost someone to breast cancer, you’ve likely been their strength for a long time. Please know that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help—whether with paperwork, planning a service, or just having someone to talk to. Registering a death may feel daunting, but it’s one of the final acts of care you can offer, and support is always available if you need it.

 

 *Scotland - Deaths should be registered within 8 days. The initial certificate is £12. All subsequent certificates are £10

 

*Northern Ireland - Deaths should be registered within 5 days. The certificate is £8 per copy.