Registering the Death
In most circumstances it is a legal requirement of deaths to be registered within 5 working days. Registering the death will give you the documentation you need for the funeral, although we can start making arrangements and give you advice before that. The person who registers the death is usually a relative of the person who has died. If no relatives are available, then the death can be registered by; anyone who was there when the person died, someone who lives in the same place where the person died or the person who is taking responsibility for arranging the funeral. The person who registers the death will need to visit the local Registrar, which will mean making an appointment. If you’d like support, we can accompany you to the Registrar’s office.
Once you have registered the death, the Death Certificate will be issued, and you will be asked how many copies of this you require. There is a standard charge for each copy you request. A formal copy of the Death Certificate will be requested by banks and building societies, pension providers, insurance companies etc.
Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors do not require a copy of this form. At this time, the certificate for burial or cremation will also be issued. This is often called ‘The Green Form’. This is required for the funeral to take place and should be taken to Wayne Kelly Independent Funeral Directors at the earliest opportunity.
At the end of the appointment the Registrar can provide a free, simple and sensitive service called Tell Us Once, which can securely pass information about a death directly to most government organisations in one go.
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:
The Registrartion Office
Guildhall
High Street
Bath
BA1 5AW
T: (01225) 477234
Book appointment online
The Registrartion Office
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14 8JN
T: (03000) 034569
Book appointment online