Registration of death

Where possible, a death should be registered within 5 days. This is so that the necessary forms and certificates can be issued to allow you to arrange the funeral, and deal with the deceased’s estate.

Please make an appointment to register a death.

Who can register the death?

  • A relative, e.g. husband / wife or civil partner, brother or sister.
  • A person who was present at the death.
  • The occupier of the premises where the death occurred if he/she knew about it.
  • The person arranging the funeral (this does not include the funeral director).

If the death took place within the borough of Richmond upon Thames

The death must be registered at Richmond Register Office. We will be able to issue certificates upon completion of the registration. We will also be able to provide further copy certificates at a later date, as the record of the death will remain at this office.

If the death took place outside the borough

The death must be registered with the register office for that borough.

Alternatively you can ‘make a declaration’ at the Richmond Register Office. The registrar taking the declaration will send it to the relevant register office, along with your payment for any certificates. Payment is posted so must be by cheque or postal order. Your certificates will be sent to you by post. This could take up to 10 days, and may delay the funeral arrangements.

In order to make a declaration, the below requirements (including a medical certificate of cause of death) still apply.

Please note that if you chose to make a declaration, the death will not be registered at the office and we will not hold any records or be able to provide copy certificates, either at the time of taking the details or in the future.

The appointment process

When you attend your appointment, please ensure you bring the following information with you:

  • The medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) issued by the doctor.
  • The deceased person's medical card showing their NHS number, if available.
  • If you wish to use the ‘Tell Us Once’ service (see below), please bring the deceased’s UK passport, National Insurance number, Driving Licence, Blue Badge and details of any benefits they were receiving, if available.
  • Payment for any death certificates required (currently £4.00).

The Registrar will need to know:

  • The deceased’s full name and surname (and any other names used).
  • Maiden surname for women.
  • Date and place of death.
  • Date and place of birth.
  • Occupation and usual address.
  • If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the name, occupation, and date of birth of their surviving spouse / civil partner.
  • If deceased was widowed / surviving civil partner, the name and occupation of their late spouse / civil partner.

If you do not speak or understand English, please bring someone who can translate for you.

The Registrar will provide:

  • A green form which must be given to the funeral director in order to arrange the funeral.
  • A form BD8.will be issued which must be completed and sent to the Department of Work and Pensions There is no charge for these forms, and you will not need to purchase a copy death certificate to go with them.
  • Copies of the death certificate, if required. Certificates can also be purchased at a later date.

Informing other government departments – Tell Us Once

The Register Office provides a service called ‘Tell Us Once'. This helps reduce the administrative burden on bereaved relatives at the time of a death. Instead of making several repetitive phone calls, bereaved relatives can inform all the relevant local and central government departments at the same time. This is a free service and takes only 10 minutes to complete following the registration.