Registering a Death

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Deaths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland should normally be notified to the Registrar of Births, Marriages & Deaths within 5 days of the death. Most registration offices operate appointment systems, so please wait for a telephone call before you visit. If registration is delayed because of Coroner referral, this is not your fault and you do not need to worry.  

The person registering the death is called 'the informant'. Only certain people can fulfil this duty; close relatives of the deceased, someone present at the death or the person taking responsibility for the funeral. 

It is helpful to take the following with you, although these are not essential: birth and marriage certificates for the deceased, details of any state benefits, the NHS medical card and the National Insurance number of the deceased, and also that of a surviving husband, wife or civil partner.

Where the funeral is to be arranged quickly for religious or cultural purposes there is a Registrar available on the usual number 07899060396 at the weekends and most bank holidays (except 25th December and 1st January) between 10am and 12 noon.

This Registrar will only follow the process above and contact the informant provided by the Dr for the Registration once the MCCD has been received electronically.

Certified copies of the death certificate

The death registration is a permanent record and is retained by the registrar. You may purchase as many copies of this document as you need, and these are what is meant when banks and others ask to see an 'original' death certificate. The price in Nottingham for a death certificate is £11 but usually rises significantly if you need more later. Also,  double-check with companies if they need an original or if they will accept a scanned copy.

Certificate for burial or cremation

This is free and is commonly referred to as 'the green form'. It proves to the funeral director and the cemetery or crematorium authorities that a funeral may take place. The green form is replaced by a document from the coroner if there will be an inquest or if the funeral will be a cremation following a coroner's post-mortem examination.

If there is to be an inquest, the death is not registered at the registrar's until after the inquest has taken place. In these cases, the coroner will issue an Interim Certificate which you can use instead of certified copies. Just double-check if companies would like an original or if they will accept a scanned copy.

'Tell Us Once' service

When someone dies, there can often be several government departments and agencies to notify. For example, a passport or driving license may need to be cancelled, or benefits stopped.

The 'Tell Us Once' service is designed to make things simpler for you, by helping you give this information to the government only once. They will give you a unique reference code, as well as instructions on how to use it and who will be informed. 

Local registration offices:

Nottingham city council Register Office
The Council House
Old Market Square
Nottingham
NG1 2DT
Opening hours: 

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm 

Tel: 0115 841 5554 

Nottinghamshire county council register office:

Arnot Hill House
Arnot Hill Park
Arnold
NG5 6LU

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 9am-1pm then 2pm-4.30pm

Friday 9am-1pm then 2pm-4pm

Tel: 0300 500 80 80  

Once you have collected the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the GP surgery or Hospital Bereavement centre, you will need to contact the local registrar. 

The death will need to be registered in the sub-district where the death occurred. You can find which Registrar’s Office to use, based on the location of the death by visiting:    https://www.gov.uk/register-offices  

The Registrar will issue you with the Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation. This form will be green in colour and should be given to your chosen Funeral Director. 

This is also where you can purchase your Certified Copy of an Entry which is commonly known as a death certificate. These will come at a cost of £11 per copy and you will not need to purchase one for us.   Registering a death usually takes around 30 minutes. 

Who should register the death? 

Relative or Civil Partner of the Deceased   

Relative or Civil Partner present at death  

Relative or Civil partner residing in sub-district where the death occurred   

Any person present at death or any person who found the body  

The person in charge of making the funeral arrangements   

What will you need to take with you? 

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (Signed by the Doctor)  If available but not necessary  - 

Birth Certificate

Council Tax Bill

Driving License   

Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate 

NHS Medical Card  

Passport  Proof of Address  

What will the Registrar ask? 

Deceased full name and maiden name (if applicable) 

Date of death

Date of Birth

Place of Birth and Death

Usual address of the Deceased

Any government benefits that the Deceased was receiving

Deceased occupation (and Husband’s occupation if deceased is a married woman)

Name and date of birth of any surviving Widow/Widower

Informant’s Full name, what qualified them to register the death (Relationship)

Home Address   

What will the Registrar give you? 

Registrar’s Certificate for Burial or Cremation (This green form needs to be given to the Funeral Director)

Certified copy of an Entry (these come at a cost of £11 per copy)

BD8 Notification of death – This will allow the cancellation of any Pensions or government benefits the Deceased may have had.

Tell us once service

This is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations such as building societies, DVLA, HMRC revenue and customs, local councils etc.     

When you register the death the registrar will Give you the phone number for the Tell Us Once service  -Give you a unique reference number to use the Tell Us Once service online or by phone  

To use the ‘tell us once’ service you will need the following details of the person who has passed away: 

Date of Birth, National Insurance Number, Vehicle Registration Number and Passport Number. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.