How To Register A Death

What is a death certificate?

A death certificate is the official document that is issued by the doctor who has either been present at the death or shortly before the death, and is aware of the nature of the illness from which the deceased has died.

Why does a death have to be registered?

A death has to be registered, first of all, to make sure that everything surrounding the death is legal and above board. The death certificate which has been furnished by the doctor in attendance at the time of death is given to the registrar. He or she will then record the date of death, the cause of death and the particulars about the deceased. The registrar will then give notice to the cemetery or the crematorium authorities that the death has been registered and that the various legal formalities have been attended to. He or she will also issue the documentation that is necessary for those who are holding monies or funds belonging to the deceased: insurance companies, banks, building societies, post offices, etc. in order that these funds may be released into the deceased's estate.

When and where do I register a death?

You must register the death within a certain time frame after the death has taken place. You will take with you the death certificate to the registrar of deaths along with the birth certificate of the deceased, and if appropriate, their marriage certificate. You should also be able to furnish the registrar with the national insurance number of the person who has passed away.

Who can register a death?

There is a pecking order of people who can register a death. First and foremost, the immediate family; the next of kin. If they're not available, then someone who's been present at the time of death. Perhaps in certain circumstances, it may fall upon a police officer to register the death. But there's a clear list of people who can register the death.

What is an 'Extract of Entry of Death'?

You will get an extract of entry of death from the registrar. The extract of entry of death really recalls the particulars of the deceased, their name, when they died, and where they died. It also gives the cause of death. This document can be used to claim insurance policies, monies in the bank, post office or any pecuniary items belonging to the deceased. It can also be used for superannuation funds. The cost is normally around about £8.

How are the appropriate government agencies informed of the death?

The registrar will issue a document which will go to the local office of the Department of Works and Pensions. This is the registrar's way of telling the appropriate government departments that that person has now died, that their pension should be cancelled, or any other benefits that they were entitled to should now cease. In due course, their National Insurance Number will be cancelled.

What is a 'Disposal Certificate', and who provides it?

The disposal certificate, or green form, is issued by the registrar. This is his or her way of telling the cemetery or the crematorium department that a death certificate has been issued, that the death certificate has been brought to the registrar, the death has been registered, everything is legal under both boards, and that it's ok for the cemetery or the crematorium to go ahead and to carry out the cremation or the burial. In Scotland, this is referred to as a Form 14. In Northern Ireland, the same document is referred to as a Form 21.

What is an 'Application for Cremation (Form A)'?

Form A, the Application for Cremation, is the way in which the next of kin or the executor formally applies to the crematorium department to carry out the cremation of the deceased person. A number of questions are asked. Were you present at the time of death? What is your relationship to the deceased? Do you know if anybody, has expressed an objection to the cremation taking place? The applicant will then be asked to sign and someone who knows the applicant and who can attest to the truthfullness of their answers will then be asked to counter-sign. Further information - the disposal of the ashes, the type and style of ceremony that they wish to have at the crematorium - will be asked on the reverse of the application form.

What is a 'Notification by the Coroner (Pink Form B)'?

The Coroner's Notification directly to the registrar, Pink Form B, is the way in which the coroner tells the registrar, "I have opened an inquest into the causes and circumstances of this death, and I've now adjourned the inquest." This document is sent straight to the registrar. There's really no family involvement with this.

What is an 'Order for Burial (Form 101)'?

The Order for Burial, Form 101, is a document issued by the coroner to make it known to the cemetery authority that he has opened an inquest and adjourned the inquest, and will allow the burial of the deceased person to go ahead. There are certain instances where, for reasons such as the preservation of evidence, or the opportunity in a homicide case where perhaps someone has not yet been apprehended, for a second postmortem to not be given. In this case the coroner will not allow a cremation to take place, but will allow the family to go ahead and have a burial in the interim rather than be subject to a lot of unnecessary grief and stress. The coroner will then issue an Order for Burial, Form 101.

What is a 'Certificate for Cremation (Form E)'?

The Form E, or in Scotland the Form E1, is issued by the coroner or in Scotland the procurator fiscal to allow a cremation to go ahead. It's the coroner or the fiscal's way of saying to the crematorium authority that we have no wish or desire to hold on to the remains of the deceased any longer. It also confirms that although their inquiries surrounding the circumstances of the death are ongoing, they're comfortable with releasing the body and allowing the cremation to proceed.

Where can I register a death in Scotland?

From the 1st of January, 2007, death in Scotland can be registered with any registrar in any area.