When someone passes away in the UK, obtaining a legal death certificate is a crucial step for managing funeral arrangements, settling the estate and addressing financial affairs. Although the emotional burden is heavy, knowing the process clearly can help reduce uncertainty. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process in England and Wales.
1. Understand the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
Before a death certificate can be issued, a medical professional must complete a formal document known as the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This is typically done by the doctor who treated the deceased or one connected with their care.
In many cases, the doctor will also liaise with the local medical examiner service, which reviews the cause of death and confirms that everything has been recorded correctly.
If the death is unexpected, suspicious or the cause is unclear, the case may be referred to a coroner, which will delay registration.
2. Register the Death
Once the MCCD is available, you must arrange to register the death. In England and Wales the registration should take place within five days of the doctor issuing the certificate, unless the death is subject to a coroner’s investigation.
You should book an appointment with the registrar at the register office in the area where the death occurred. Bring relevant documents such as the deceased’s national insurance number, date and place of birth, address and the MCCD.
At the appointment, you will be asked to confirm details of the deceased and the circumstances of death. The registrar then formally records the death in the civil register.
3. Receive the Certificate for Burial or Cremation
At registration, you will be issued with a certificate which allows burial or cremation to proceed. Without this certificate, the funeral cannot legally take place.
This is not the same as the full death certificate needed for administrative purposes (see next step).
4. Order the Death Certificate
With the death registered, you can obtain one or more full certified copies of the death certificate. The full document will contain information such as the name of the deceased, date and place of death, age, occupation and cause of death.
In England and Wales, you can order copies via the General Register Office (GRO) online service or through the local register office. The standard online fee is around £12.50 per copy if you have the GRO reference number.
If you don’t have the GRO index reference number, an additional search fee may apply and delivery will take longer.
It is advisable to order multiple certified copies at the outset. You will typically need them to notify banks, insurance companies, pension schemes and utilities. Waiting to order each individually may cause costly delays.
5. Keep Copies Safe and Use Them for Administrative Purposes
Once you receive the death certificate, store it securely. It is a key legal document used to:
- Close bank accounts and settle the deceased’s estate
- Make insurance and pension claims
- Transfer property or assets
- Notify organisations such as the driver’s licence authority and the tax office
Without certified copies, these tasks may be delayed or blocked. Ordering enough copies at the start reduces repetitive costs and inconvenience.
6. Special Considerations: Referrals to Coroner, Death Abroad
If a death is referred to the coroner, the registration may be delayed until the investigation is complete. During this time, you cannot finalise funeral arrangements or order a death certificate.
If the death occurred abroad, the process changes. You will need to register the death according to local law, obtain a foreign death certificate (often with a certified English translation) and then notify the GRO. A UK death certificate may only be issued once the UK registration is complete.
7. Typical Timeline and Costs
- Registration of death: within 5 days (England & Wales) after MCCD is available.
- Ordering a death certificate online: copies are sent in around 4 working days if a GRO reference is supplied; without a reference, it may take up to 15 working days.
- Fee: around £12.50 per copy if you have a reference number.
8. How Harmony International Can Assist
For families faced with the sensitive task of repatriation or relocation following a death abroad, Harmony International offers guidance and coordination. We can help you:
- Understand which death certificates and translations are required
- Liaise with UK registration authorities
- Ensure you order the correct number of certified copies
- Arrange transport of remains and accompanying documents if repatriation is needed
Our priority is to handle the administrative details so you can focus on supporting each other.
Conclusion
Though the process of obtaining a death certificate in the UK involves several steps, each one is straightforward, provided you know what is needed and act promptly. First, secure the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, then register the death, obtain certified copies, and use those documents to address the deceased’s affairs. By planning ahead and ordering sufficient copies, you can avoid bottlenecks at a difficult time.
Read more in our Guide to International Repatriation Services.
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