Steps to registering a death

When a death is expected

• The GP surgery is notified (there is no paperwork relating to registration to collect from the surgery – information is shared electronically with the Medical Examiner and Registrar).
  • For expected deaths outside of a hospital setting, the Funeral Director will notify the GP surgery.
  • For expected deaths in hospital, the hospital’s bereavement team notify the GP.
• The GP sends the ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death’ (MCCD) to the Medical Examiner.
• The Medical Examiner contacts the next of kin and discusses the MCCD with them.
• Once the discussion with Medical Examiner has taken place, the person who will register the death books an appointment with the Registrar.
  • Find a register office
• The Registrar issues a ‘Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation’ (form 9) plus a white form (9D).

The certificate for burial or cremation is usually emailed directly to the Funeral Director by the Registrar. The Funeral Director sends these (with other necessary paperwork) to the crematorium or burial authority before the Funeral can take place.

When the death is not expected

• If the cause of death is unknown, sudden or unexplained, the death may be reported to the coroner.
• The coroner will send their documents directly to the Registrar.
• You will be contacted by the Coroner’s Office to confirm you can register the death.

For more information on how to register a death in the UK or abroad:

How to register a death in the UK or abroad