Someone has died
We're sorry for your loss. Take things one step at a time. Only a few things are urgent. The rest can wait until you are ready.
What to do, step by step
1. In the first few daysThe cause of death, a funeral director, and telling people
The cause of death is confirmed
A doctor and a medical examiner confirm the cause of death. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually sent straight to the register office, which will tell you when you can register the death.A doctor and a medical examiner confirm the cause of death. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is usually sent straight to the register office, which will tell you when you can register the death.A doctor issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is usually sent to the registrar electronically.A doctor issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
Choose a funeral director
They can collect the person who has died and guide you through what happens next. Compare prices before you decide. There is no legal deadline for the funeral.
Tell close family and friends
Ask someone you trust to help share the news so it is not all on you.
If the coroner is involved
Some deaths must be referred to the coroner by law, for example if the death was sudden or the cause is unknown. Registration usually waits until the coroner has finished, and the coroner can allow the funeral to go ahead.
Coroner referrals are common and do not necessarily mean anything suspicious happened.
If the coroner is involved
Some deaths must be referred to the coroner by law, for example if the death was sudden or the cause is unknown. Registration usually waits until the coroner has finished, and the coroner can allow the funeral to go ahead.
Coroner referrals are common and do not necessarily mean anything suspicious happened.
If the procurator fiscal is involved
Some deaths must be reported to the procurator fiscal, for example if the death was sudden or unexpected. The fiscal will tell you if this affects registration or the funeral.
Reports to the procurator fiscal are common and do not necessarily mean anything suspicious happened.
If the coroner is involved
Some deaths must be referred to the coroner by law, for example if the death was sudden or the cause is unknown. Registration usually waits until the coroner has finished, and the coroner can allow the funeral to go ahead.
Coroner referrals are common and do not necessarily mean anything suspicious happened.
2. Registering the deathUsually within 5 days in EnglandUsually within 5 days in WalesUsually within 8 days in ScotlandUsually within 5 days in Northern Ireland
Book a register office appointment
Book an appointment at a register office. Registering in the district where the person died is usually quickest. A close relative, someone present at the death or the person arranging the funeral can usually register.Book an appointment at a register office. Registering in the district where the person died is usually quickest. A close relative, someone present at the death or the person arranging the funeral can usually register.Contact any registration office in Scotland to arrange to register the death. A relative, someone present at the death or the executor can usually register.Contact a district registration office to register the death. A relative, someone present at the death or the person arranging the funeral can usually register.
Tell Us Once
The registrar can give you a reference number so you can tell most government departments in one go, online or by phone.
Order copies of the death certificate
Banks, insurers and pension providers will usually ask to see one. Start with a small number. Many organisations accept scans or return originals, and you can order more later.
Pass the green form to your funeral director
Unless the coroner is involved, the registrar issues a certificate for burial or cremation, often called the green form. Your funeral director needs it before the funeral.
Pass the green form to your funeral director
Unless the coroner is involved, the registrar issues a certificate for burial or cremation, often called the green form. Your funeral director needs it before the funeral.
Give the certificate of registration to your funeral director
The registrar gives you a certificate of registration of death (Form 14). Your funeral director needs it before the funeral.
Give the burial or cremation form to your funeral director
The registrar issues a form for burial or cremation (GRO21). Your funeral director needs it before the funeral.
Official information: Register a death (GOV.UK) (external website)Official information: Register a death (GOV.UK) (external website)Official information: Register a death (mygov.scot) (external website)Official information: Registering a death with the district registrar (nidirect) (external website)
3. The funeral and paperworkTake your time. Ask for help with anything that feels like too much.
Check for funeral wishes
Check if the person left any wishes about their funeral, in their will or elsewhere.
Check help with funeral costs
You may be able to get a grant or payment towards the funeral. See help with funeral costs.
Tell banks, utilities and other organisations
You can contact each one yourself, or use a notification service to tell many organisations at once.
4. The estate, and looking after yourselfThere is no deadline on grief.
Apply for probate if it is needed
This gives someone the legal right to deal with the estate. The will should name an executor, who deals with the estate.
Check benefits you could claim
Some benefits are available to people who have been bereaved. See benefits after a bereavement.
Someone to talk to
Talking to someone can help, whenever you feel ready. Find bereavement support.
If the person died abroad
The death is usually registered in the country where it happened. You can also choose to register it with the UK authorities.
Official information: What to do if someone dies abroad (GOV.UK) (external website)