Registering a Death

When you go to initially register the death of a relative, the following information about the deceased will need to be supplied to the registrar: -

date and place of death
forename(s) and surname of the deceased and any other or previous names they have used or been known by
maiden surname (if applicable)
date and place of birth
occupation (or last occupation if retired)
name and occupation of husband, wife, or civil partner if the deceased was married or in a registered civil partnership
usual address, on the day of their death
whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds
if the deceased was married or in a registered civil partnership, the date of birth of the surviving widow, widower, or civil partner

The above information is supplied verbally; no documents are required. However, if you have the deceased’s birth or marriage certificate, these can be helpful.

The deceased's medical card, if available, should also be given to the registrar.

It is most important that the information recorded in the death register is correct. If a mistake is made it will be difficult for the person who registered the death to have it corrected. The person registering the death should check the information to be recorded in the register very carefully before the entry is signed. You can obtain further information about correcting particulars in a death registration from any Register Office.

Once the entry is signed, the death has been registered. The registrar will issue and explain the purpose of one or two forms, for which there is no charge. Copies of the death registration (known as death certificates) can then be requested and issued to take away with you. There is a small charge for each certificate.

Coroners Inquests

A death which was violent, unnatural or under suspicious circumstances, would result in the coroner opening an inquest. The coroner’s office would keep the next of kin informed at each stage of this process, which may take some time. The death is not registered until all inquest enquiries are complete, after which a certificate after inquest is sent directly to the Register Office. The death is registered from this, and the next of kin are advised by the coroners which office to contact for certificates.

Copy Death Certificate Requirements

If you require a copy death certificate for a death which is already registered, Leicestershire Registration Service can help. A fee is payable for each certificate.

You must have the following information to obtain a copy death certificate:

Forename(s) and surname of deceased
Date of death
Place of death i.e. name of hospital or address where the death occurred

The following additional information would also be helpful, if it is known:

Date of birth or approximate age
Last place of residence
Deceased's last occupation
Name of husband, wife or civil partner of the deceased

Please see the Copy Certificates content for further information or call the Registration Service on 0116 305 6565.