Registering a death
Deaths in England, Wales & Northern Ireland by law should be notified to the registrar of Birth, Deaths and Marriages within 5 days.
A funeral cannot take place unless the Death has been registered.
How to register a death
Following the death a doctor will complete the ‘Medical Certificate of Cause of Death’ (MCCD) This is then subject to an independent review by a Medical Examiner who will contact you to let you know this has been completed. The MCCD will be emailed directly to the registrar.
Once you have been informed by the Medical Examiner that you can do so, you will need to make a face to face appointment with a Registrar by ringing 0344 800 8020 where you will be given a date & time to visit a Registry Office of your choice in Norfolk or you can book an appointment online at the Norfolk County Council website.
View map of local Registrars (Norfolk.gov.uk)
Once the death has been registered the registrar will issue the legal death certificates and give these to you on the day.
Who can register?
This can be a close relative of the deceased, someone present at the death or a person taking responsibility for the funeral (solicitor/friend/distant relative).
What information is needed?
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be sent electronically to the registrar. This is completed by the local doctors’ surgery/hospital, The Medical Examiner will let you know when this is emailed to the registrar..
It is helpful to have the following information, but NOT essential:
- Birth and Marriage Certificates
- Details of State Benefits
- NHS Medical Card
- National Insurance number of the deceased
What will the Registrar ask me?
- Details of the deceased
- Surname, Forename, Maiden Name (any other names)
- Date & Place of Birth
- Date & Place of Death
- Usual Address
- Marital Status
- Occupation
- Name, address, occupation of spouse or civil partner (if surviving) or name and occupation (if deceased)
- National Insurance number
What will I get from the Registrar?
You will be able to purchase Certified Copies of the Death Certificate for £12.50 each. You may need more than one copy for the following: any private investments or insurances, solicitor, bank accounts, share holdings and premium bonds.
View details about the ‘Tell us Once’ service (gov.uk) which you can use to inform Government Departments that a death has occurred:
Certificate for Burial or Cremation (Green form)
This will be sent electronically by the registrar, direct to the funeral director.
If a coroner is involved…
This process is altered by the coroner’s involvement. Sometimes there is no delay and you will be able to register, as above.
If an inquest is to be held and the death cannot be registered, the coroner will provide you with interim death certificates.