8. The Death Certificate: Having the Necessary Information/Documents

The Death Certificate is confirmation of registration of a death in the UK. The most
surprising thing is how quick you need to be in registering a death: up to five days are
allowed in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, whereas it is eight days in Scotland. The
easiest thing to do is to complete online a two-page application form issued by the General
Register Office (GRO). Alternatively, you can make an appointment at the local Registry
Office.

You could start with the Government website www.gov.uk/register-a-death
The application form is five sections:
 Applicant or ‘customer’ details;
 Details of death;
 GRO index Reference;
 Other information (including the number of certificates required);
 Payment information.

The applicant will need:
 A medical certificate of the cause of death, signed by a doctor, typically in a hospital
or nursing home or from the GP if the death occurs at home;
 Details of any state Pension or other benefits being paid at the date of death;
 Birth certificate;
 Council tax bill;
 Driving licence;
 Passport;
 Marriage/civil partnership certificate where applicable.

So, it is not a bad idea to ensure that you have all of these easily to hand (other than of course
the medical certificate!), perhaps in a safe with details of how to access them. Typically, you
will replace the council tax bill from time to time and you are likely to have your driving
licence in your wallet or purse.

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