Obtaining a death certificate is essential for handling various responsibilities after your loved one dies, such as arranging a funeral or managing their estate.
In the UK, the process of obtaining a death certificate is fairly simple. This guide will explain why you might need a death certificate and walk you through the steps to get one.
A death certificate is an official document issued by the government that confirms the details of a person's death. It includes essential information like the date, place, and cause of death.
This document also serves as a formal record of the death on the national death register, ensuring that the passing is officially acknowledged.
A death certificate is legally important for settling the deceased's affairs, including closing bank accounts, handling their estate, and transferring property. Having this certificate allows you to manage the necessary arrangements with a bit more ease.
Additionally, you will need a death certificate before arranging a funeral or a cremation for your loved one. This ensures that you can proceed with making the final arrangements with the support of the necessary legal documentation.
We are open 24/7 and will make all the arrangements from taking the deceased into our care to completing all the paperwork. Our customer service specialists will liaise with you to make arrangements for the cremation and keep you updated.
Call on 01543 211997To obtain a death certificate, you must first register the death. This must be done within 5 days of the death (8 days if you are in Scotland). The process involves visiting the local register office where the death occurred.
When you visit the register office, you will need to bring the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) certificate, which is provided by a doctor. At the register office, you will need to provide information about the deceased, including their full name, date and place of death, and occupation.
When registering the death, you will need to provide specific details about the deceased:
To complete the registration, you should bring the following documents:
Having these documents ready will help streamline the registration process and ensure all necessary information is accurately recorded.
Once the death is registered, you can purchase copies of the death certificate for a fee, typically around £12.50 per copy.
You can obtain more copies in the following ways:
It's advisable to obtain multiple copies, as you will need them for various legal and administrative purposes, such as notifying banks, insurance companies, and handling estate matters. Having several copies on hand can save time and make it easier to manage the necessary paperwork during this difficult period.
The following individuals are legally allowed to register a death:
It's important to understand the responsibilities and limitations of who can register a death, as well as the legal implications involved.
Whether you are dealing with the recent loss of a loved one or pre-planning for the future, our customer service specialists are here to guide you through all the necessary funeral paperwork. Our team will:
If you need support arranging a funeral or want to discuss setting up a funeral plan for the future, please get in touch with us. Our compassionate team is here to help you every step of the way.
Call on 01543 211997What if I don’t have all the required documents?
If you don’t have all the required documents, contact your local register office for guidance. They can advise you on alternative documents that might be acceptable and assist you in obtaining any missing information.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
Death certificates are sent out 4 days after you apply. Additional copies can be requested at the time of registration or ordered later.
What should I do if there are errors on the death certificate?
If you notice errors on the death certificate, contact the register office as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process of correcting any mistakes, which may involve providing evidence to support the changes.
If you have further questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local register office or seek assistance from legal and bereavement services.
We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
