Registering the Death
In most circumstances, it is a legal requirement for deaths to be registered within five working days. Registering the death will provide the necessary documentation for the funeral, although we can begin making arrangements and offering advice 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 anyone who was present at the time of death, someone who lives at the same place where the death occurred, or the person responsible for arranging the funeral.
The individual registering the death will need to visit the local Registrar, which requires making an appointment.
Once the death has been registered, the Death Certificate will be issued, and you will be asked how many copies you require. There is a standard charge for each copy of £12.50. Formal copies of the Death Certificate may be needed by banks, building societies, pension providers, insurance companies, etc.
Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors do not require a copy of this certificate. At this time, 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 brought to Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors at the earliest opportunity. Depending on the Registrar, they may email this directly to Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors, as well as to the burial or crematorium authority.
Once the death is registered the Registrar will issue you with a Tell Us Once unique reference number to notify government agencies. You can then use this number to access the service either online or by phone which will notify local and national government departments about the death.
Information and documents the Registrar may require include:
Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death
Name, surname and maiden name (if applicable) of the deceased
The deceased’s date and place of birth
The deceased’s National Insurance number
Last occupation of the deceased
The usual address of the deceased
Their driving licence or driving licence number, if they held one – for Tell Us Once
Their passport, if they had one – for Tell Us Once
Whether the deceased received any pension or benefits from public funds
Name and last occupation of the deceased’s spouse (if married or widowed)
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