Registering the Death
In most circumstances, it is a legal requirement to register a death within five working days. Registering the death provides the necessary documentation for the funeral, although arrangements can begin and advice can be given beforehand.
The person who registers the death is usually a relative of the deceased. If no relatives are available, the death can be registered by someone who was present at the time of death, a person who resides at the property where the death occurred, or the person responsible for arranging the funeral.
The individual registering the death will need to make an appointment with the local Register Office.
Once the death has been registered, a Death Certificate will be issued, and you will be asked how many copies you require. There is a standard charge of £12.50 for each copy. Certified copies of the Death Certificate may be required by banks, building societies, pension providers, insurance companies, and other organisations.
We do not require a copy of this certificate. At the same appointment, the certificate for burial or cremation – often referred to as the ‘Green Form’ – will also be issued. This form is required for the funeral to proceed and should be provided to us at the earliest opportunity. In some cases, the registrar may send this directly to us, as well as to the burial or cremation authority.
At the end of the appointment, the Registration Service will offer a service called ‘Tell Us Once’, designed to make things easier for you. This allows you to notify multiple government departments of the death in one process.
The registrar will provide you with a unique reference number, which enables you to share information securely with relevant public sector organisations. This service is free of charge and can be accessed online or by telephone within 28 days of the reference number being issued. Full guidance on how to use the service will be provided at the appointment.
Information and documents the registrar may require include:
Name, surname and maiden name (if applicable) of the deceased
The deceased’s date and place of birth
The deceased’s NHS number or medical card, if available
Last occupation of the deceased
The usual address of the deceased
Name and last occupation of the deceased’s spouse (if married or widowed)
Whether the deceased received any pension or benefits from public funds
If the deceased was still married, the date of birth of the surviving spouse
Local Registrar Details:
Bath Registration Office
Guildhall
High Street
Bath
BA1 5AW
T: (01225) 477234
Book appointment online
Trowbridge Registration Office
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14 8JN
T: (03000) 034569
Book appointment online