Registration of death…
You normally need to register a death within five days. It is best to go to the register office in the area where the death occurred, otherwise it may take longer to receive the documents you need and this could delay the funeral. It will take around half an hour to register the death. You would usually need to call ahead first and make an appointment beforehand.
Relatives/ Executers register most deaths; the registrar would only allow other people to register if there are no relatives available.
To register a death, you will need the following:
- Medical certificate of the cause of death which will be signed by a doctor
And, if available
- Birth certificate
- NHS Medical card
- Marriage certificate
Information the registrar will need:
- Date and place of death
- Full name of the deceased
- Maiden name (if appropriate)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation
- Last known Address
- Name, date of birth and occupation of spouse
- If the person is in receipt of state pension or any other benefit
Upon registration, the Registrar will hand you a booklet which will contain the following –
- Registrars Certificate for Burial or Cremation (otherwise known as the green form) this is the only form you will need to give to the Funeral Director.
- Certified Copy of an entry in the Register of Deaths (white form). This certificate is often referred to as the ‘Death Certificate’ and you may need this for official purposes such as closing bank accounts, Will, pension claims, insurance policies, etc. It is advised that you obtain at least two copies of this certificate, which are £11.00 each.
The ‘Tell Us Once’ Service Is a government operated service which the registrar will explain to you, it allows information to be passed to the Department of Work and Pension who will notify the government and council departments on your behalf.
If a Post-mortem is to take place the coroner will issue the documents as soon as possible after it has taken place. This process can usually take between four and five days and in some circumstances, this can delay any funeral arrangements.
Local Registrars
Rugby
The Registrar of Births Marriages and Deaths
5 Bloxham Place
Rugby
CV21 3 DX
Tel: 01788 542404
Monday & Friday 9.30am- 5.00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.00pm Appointment only.
Coventry
The Registry Office
Cheylesmore Manor House
Coventry
CV1 2ND
Tel: 024 7683 3129
Mon – Fri 9.30am – 4pm Appointment only
Local Coroners
Coventry – 02476 833345
Northampton – 0300 0111222
Warwick – 01926 684228