Registering · 5 min read · 22 August 2026
Registering a death in England and Wales: the 5-day rule
Written by Simon D Campbell, Director, Shropshire Expert Cleaners LTD · 17 years in bereavement, trauma and hospital-standard cleaning
The short answer
In England and Wales a death must be registered within 5 days, once the medical examiner has confirmed the cause of death. Book an appointment at the local register office, take any documents you have, and order certified copies of the death certificate while you are there.
Registering the death is the gate that everything else waits behind: the funeral, Tell Us Once, the banks, probate. It is also simpler than most people fear.
Wait for the medical examiner
The doctor confirms the death and contacts a medical examiner — a senior doctor not involved in the person's care — who reviews the cause of death and contacts you to explain it and answer questions. That conversation is voluntary. You must wait for the medical examiner's office to confirm you can register.
The 5 days
Once confirmed, register within 5 days in England and Wales — 8 days in Scotland — including weekends and bank holidays. If you need longer, tell the register office immediately rather than letting the date pass. If the coroner is involved, the timetable changes and the coroner's office will guide you.
What to take
The medical certificate of cause of death if you have been given one, plus, where you can find them: the person's birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, NHS number, National Insurance number, passport, driving licence and proof of address. Missing items rarely stop the appointment — take what you have.
You will be asked for their full name and any previous names, date and place of birth, last address, occupation, and details of a surviving spouse or civil partner.
What you leave with
A certificate for burial or cremation — the 'green form' — which must go to the funeral director, crematorium or burial authority before the funeral. A Tell Us Once reference. And any certified copies of the death certificate you order.
Order more copies than you think you need. Later copies from the General Register Office cost £12.50 each, and organisations often want an original rather than a photocopy.