Do You Need a Death Certificate for a Funeral in UK?

It’s a very common question. For those going through the loss of a loved one for the first time, there is no handbook or step by step guide of what to do. We are constantly asked, “Do you need a Death Certificate for a funeral in UK?”. To help you, we have tried to answer this as clearly as possible. If you still have questions, send us an email so we can assist further.

The loss of someone you love is a very emotional and heartbreaking time. Added to the roller coaster of emotions is the reality of organising a burial or cremation.

In the UK, a medical practitioner will issue a medical certificate for the death. The document will outline the time of death, as well as the cause. Unless the death is referred to the coroner, you must register the death with the local registry office within five days. Scotland registration requirements differ as they allow up to 8 days.

How to register a death in the UK

Once you have the medical certificate and/or permission from the coroner, you shall be provided with a Certificate of Burial. The funeral director you have chosen can then proceed with your application for funeral or burial plans. In the UK, without a medical certificate, a funeral director is unable to carry out a funeral.

The registry will require from you:

• Place of death
• Date as well as the time of death
• Last address of the deceased
• The full name of the deceased (if the deceased was a married woman, they will require her maiden name also)
• The occupation of the deceased
• The town/county where the deceased was born
• Details of their surviving spouse or civil partner
• Whether the deceased was receiving government pensions or other financial benefits

In the instance where you do not know the information, do not delay contact with the registry office. Their staff shall assist you in working through the process. In total, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the registration process.

Further Reading: Reasons for a UK Death Certificate

Helpful documents to register a death in the UK

While not essential, additional documents can assist in preventing delays when registering a death. If you have any or all of the below, you should take them with you to register the death at the local registry.

• The medical card (NHS card) of the deceased
• Birth certificate
• Drivers license
• Council tax bill
• If you are the spouse, a copy of your marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
• National insurance number of the deceased person
• Passport, as well as proof of address.

Who can register a death in the UK?

In the UK, only direct relatives or specific other qualified individuals are permitted by law to register a death.

If the death occurred at home or in a hospital/nursing home, the registration of the death is permitted by the following persons.

Persons qualified to register a death include:

• A relative or spouse
• A person present at the time of death
• An occupant in the house
• An official at the hospital where the death took place
• The person who is making the arrangements with the funeral director

Once the registration is complete, then you shall be provided with a death certificate. The funeral director shall then be allowed to carry out instructions from you for the funeral/cremation to take place. So, ultimately, the answer to “Do you need a Death Certificate for a funeral in UK?” is yes. But there are other reasons you will require the death certificate after the funeral. If you have lost the document and require a Certified Copy, use our Replacement UK Death Certificate Service

Helpful Links for a Replacement Death Certificate

• Replacement Death Certificate England Order Form
• Order a Replacement Scottish Death Certificate
• Replacement Welsh Death Certificate Order Form
• Order a Replacement Northern Ireland Death Certificate

Also, you might find the below Frequently Asked Questions and Answers helpful.

• How much does a Replacement Death Certificate Cost?
• What information does a replacement death certificate include?

Replacing a lost death certificate

Losing a death certificate can be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you have lost your death certificate, don’t despair. UK Certificates can help you get a replacement death certificate quickly and easily.

We have a team of experts who specialize in UK certificate replacements, and we have access to official records of information that most individuals simply can’t get.

Our process is fast, simple and hassle-free. We will ensure the details you provide are correct before submitting, so your application is accepted first time. Get in touch with our helpful team today.