Please select from the list of questions below to move to the answer and more information within this page. We have more frequently asked questions on death and bereavement.

1. Where can I go to register a death?
2. Who can register a death?
3. What documents do I need when I register a death?
4. What documents do I get when I register a death?

1. Where can I go to register a death?

A death in England or Wales needs to be registered within five days. For ease it should be registered in the district in which it happened.

Register offices opening hours vary from one district to another and most operate an appointment system. For an appointment with any of the Surrey register offices please contact us on 0300 200 1002 and an appointment will be made for you.

If you cannot go to the district where the death happened and it is more convenient to go to another, the process will take a day or two longer. This is because the information will need to be forwarded to the district where the death occurred. They will then issue and send out the death certificate and other paperwork. This may mean a slight delay to the funeral, since it is not possible for a burial or cremation to take place until the registrar has issued and you have the necessary paperwork.

2. Who can register a death?

It is usual for a relative of the deceased to register the death. However, if a relative is not available, someone else may register the death, such as someone present at the death, the person making the funeral arrangements, or, if the death occurred in hospital, a hospital official.

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3. What documents do I need when I register a death?

When you go to the registrar you should take all these:

• The Medical Certificate of the cause of death
• The deceased's medical card, if possible
• The deceased's birth and marriage certificates, if available

In addition to these documents, you will need to tell the registrar the following information:

• The date and place of death
• The deceased's last (usual) address
• The deceased's first names and surname (and the maiden name where appropriate)
• The deceased's date and place of birth (town and county if born in the UK, and country if born abroad)
• The deceased's occupation and the name and occupation of his or her spouse
• Whether the deceased was getting a pension or allowance from public funds
• If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower

We have more information on registration a death.

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4. What documents do I get when I register a death?

The registrar who registers the death will give you:

• A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the Green Form) unless the coroner has issued an Order for Burial (form 101) or a Certificate for Cremation (form E). These give permission for the body to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made. It should be taken to the funeral director so that the funeral can be held.
• A Certificate of Registration of Death (form BD8(rev)). This is for Social Security purposes only. Read the information on the back of the certificate. If any of it applies, fill in the certificate and take it or send it to a Social Security office.
• If you require Death Certificates, these may be collected from the Registrar on payment of a certificate fee.

If you go to a register office other than the one for the sub-district where the death took place, the above certificates will be sent to you. We have more information on registration a death.