Get the medical certificate of cause of death
Ask the hospital or GP when the certificate will be ready.
You cannot register the death without it, and the register office appointment depends on it.
- How long it takes
- 1–3 days, longer if the coroner is involved
- Typical cost
- Free
- What you need before you start
- The name of the doctor, ward or surgery
Since 2024 all certificates in England and Wales are reviewed by a medical examiner before they reach the register office. The medical examiner's office will usually ring you to talk it through.
The certificate is now sent to the register office directly. You do not normally collect a paper copy.
If the coroner is involved, the coroner sends the paperwork instead, and this step waits until they release it.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 19 August 2026 by Simon D Campbell. Applies to England and Wales.