Registering a death
A death should be registered within 5 days
unless a Coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding the
death. Deaths should be registered at the local register
office for the area where the death took place.
If it is more convenient, you are able to register the death by
declaration at another register office. This means that you
will not receive any documents at this appointment.
Details of the death will be forwarded to the relevant office for
the area where the death took place who will then send documents to
you. Please note that the declaration process could delay
funeral arrangements.
If you would like to register a death at Knowsley Register
Office contact us to make an appointment.
Who can register a death?
- A relative
- A person present at the death (only in the absence of a
relative)
- The person arranging the funeral - this does not mean the
funeral director (only in the absence of a relative)
- The occupier of the premises where the death occured, if they
were aware of the death. For example, the matron of a nursing
home or Hospital Administrator (only in the absence of a
relative)
What information will I need to provide when registering a
death?
You will need to provide the registrar with
the following details about the deceased:
- Medical certificate of cause of death if applicable (issued by
the doctor or hospital who was treating the deceased). If a death
has been referred to the Coroner please contact the office to check
relevant paperwork has been received before making your
appointment.
- Full name, surname and maiden name (if married).
- Date and place of death.
- Date and place of birth.
- Occupation and whether the deceased was married or had a civil
partner.
- Name and date of birth of spouse or civil partner (if
applicable).
- Home address.
- Whether the deceased was receiving a pension or public fund
allowance.
- NHS Card (if available)
Fees
You can purchase a death certificate for a fee
of £3.50 when you register the death.
What happens next?
We will give you a document at the
registration appointment which allows burial or cremation to take
place, unless the coroner has already done so. We will also
issue a form that you need to return to the Department of Work and Pensions if the
deceased was receiving a state pension or other benefits.
