Registering A Death

During the Covid-19 period registration will be completed by telephone

Do you need help registering a death?

One of the first steps in making funeral arrangements is to register the death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriage. It is better for us to discuss this with you as it can seem quite confusing, however we have put together the following information to help you.

It is easier for you to register a death within the county that the death occurred however, there are ways to register at a registrar’s office close to you. Please make sure you have obtained the medical certificate of cause of death, issued by a doctor treating the person prior to death, before you make an appointment.

You may not be able to register a death if the Coroner is involved until they have issued the relevant certificates. Please do not be alarmed if you are contacted by the Coroner’s office, they are there to help you

To register a death within Worcestershire

01905 768181

To register a death within Gloucestershire

01242 532455

Natural causes

A qualified informant must register a death within five days of it happening. An appointment is necessary.

The people qualified to register a death are:

1. Relative of the deceased present at death

2. Relative of the deceased in attendance during the last illness

3. Relative of the deceased residing or being in the same sub district.

4. A person present at death

The registrar will require the informant to give them a medical certificate of death, the deceased’s medical card and details concerning the deceased. (a birth certificate and marriage certificate are both helpful but not essential)

What do you need?

The date and place of death
Full name of the deceased and maiden name if a married woman
Date and place of birth
Occupation, and if the deceased was a married woman or widow the name and occupation
of her husband
Usual address of the deceased
Whether in receipt of any pension or allowance from public funds
If married, date of birth of surviving widow or widower
Name of informant, qualification and usual address

Unatural or sudden death

In this case it is better to consult with your Funeral Director as soon as possible for guidance, as the coroner will probably be involved and extra time may be needed before the funeral can take place.