What to do when someone dies

Deaths in England and Wales should be registered within five days.

Firstly, you need to make an appointment with the registrar. You can contact the register office by phone or email. You can download the death certificate application form or visit the office to obtain one.

You need to bring along the medical certificate of cause of death.

Sometimes the coroner needs to be involved and, if so, the registrar cannot register the death until the coroner has completed any investigation that he or she decides is necessary.

Stillbirth

A stillbirth in England and Wales must normally be registered within 42 days. It cannot be registered more than three months after its occurrence.

Notifications

You may need to notify these departments of a death:

• Benefits and Revenues
• Council Tax
• Electoral Services
• Adults and Older People's Services, if relevant.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is offering a service called 'Tell Us Once'. You tell us and we will help you tell the relevant departments and local services which need to know. Hopefully this will make things easier for you.

Replacement death certificate

The cost of a replacement certificate is £10, with effect from 1 April 2012. Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Please enclose a SAE with your application and a contact telephone number.