Registering a death
We hope that this guide will help you with the legal formalities at this sad and distressing time. Please take a few minutes to read this advice before you go to the Register Office. It will help you have the necessary information and documents you need. If you have any questions before visiting to register the death, please telephone the Bedfordshire Register Office (01234) 290450 or e-mail:
lifeevents@bedscc.gov.uk|
When can I register the death?
The death must be registered within five days of the date of the death, unless the Coroner is investigating.
Where?
The death must be registered at any of the offices within the district where the death took place but before you register, you should have a Medical Certificate Cause of Death from the doctor or hospital. The Certificate will be supplied in a sealed envelope which must be delivered to the Registrar unopened. If you do not have this Certificate, you may need a notification from the Coroner.
By whom?
The law states that the following may register a death, in this order:
-
A relative of the deceased
-
A person present at the death
-
The occupier of the house or institution where the death took place if there is not anyone more qualified to register
-
The person who is arranging the funeral (that is, the person instructing the funeral director).
You may bring a friend or relative with you to see the Registrar together with any documents detailed on the following page like birth certificates and marriage certificates that relate to the person that has died. The Registrar will see you in private and will ask you questions but please do not worry about the registration - if you are upset, the Registrar will understand and will give you the time you need.
What information will the Registrar need?
-
Date and place of death.
-
Full name of the deceased.
-
Maiden name of a woman, if she has been married.
-
Date and place of birth of the deceased.
-
Occupation of the deceased (and, if a married woman, the full name and occupation of her husband).
-
Usual address of the deceased.
General information required by the Registrar
-
Whether the deceased was getting a pension or benefits from public funds
-
If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the spouse.
-
The National Health Service Medical Card, if this is available.
What documents will the Registrar provide at the Registration?
The Registrar will issue you with a special green form to take to the funeral directors to allow you to make arrangements for the burial or cremation (in some cases this is issued by the Coroner). You will also be given another form that should be completed and returned to the Benefits Agency - this relates to state pensions and benefits.
How much will the Registration cost?
The registration will cost nothing and the documents you are given to arrange both the funeral and the Social Security benefits are also free of charge.
Death Certificates
These are copies of the register entry and if you need any, you will have to pay for these. They can be purchased at the time of registration or at a later date and the Registrar will inform you of the cost. You may need certificates for dealing with a will, bank and building society accounts, insurance policies etc.
Stillbirths
A stillbirth must be registered in any of the offices within the district where the event took place normally within 42 days. For further information contact the Superintendent Registrar on (01234) 290450 or e-mail: lifeevents@bedscc.gov.uk|
Offices
Bedfordshire Register Office
Pilgrim House
20, Brickhill Drive
Bedford
MK41 7PZ
(01234) 290450
E-mail: lifeevents@bedscc.gov.uk|
Opening Hours - Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
An appointment system is in operation.
Ampthill Register Office
Opening Hours - Monday, Wednesday and Friday
An appointment system is in operation.
Biggleswade Register Office
Opening Hours - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
An appointment system is in operation.
Dunstable Register Office
Opening Hours - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
An appointment system is in operation.
Leighton Buzzard Register Office
Opening Hours - Monday, Wednesday and Friday
An appointment system is in operation.