When someone dies, we are here to help you from the moment you make contact with us.
There are a number of practicalities which need to be taken care of. We understand that it can all be unfamiliar territory and an extremely daunting prospect at a time when you may feel least able to cope.
Location and Contact Details
Register Offices
| District | Telephone Number | Location | Opening Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield | 0114 203 9423 | Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH | Find out more |
| Rotherham | 01709 823542 | Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham, S60 1AE | Find out more |
| Chesterfield | 01629 533110 | Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield S40 1LP | Find out more |
| Worksop | 0300 500 80 80 | Memorial Avenue, Worksop, S80 2BP | Find out more |
Obtaining a Medical Certificate
A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is the first document that you will receive in preparation for registering the death. This document will be issued by the regular GP or by the doctor in attendance at the care home or hospital, if the death occurred there.
In the case of hospitals, the Bereavement Officer will usually be your point of contact and, if you know at this stage that a cremation will take place and let them know, they will often arrange for the doctors to complete the required paperwork.
Who can register a death
Most deaths are registered by an immediate family member. If a family member can’t register the death, it can be registered by one of the following people:
- Someone who was present at the death.
- The person’s executor or other legal representative.
- An owner or occupier of the part of the building where the death took place if they were aware of the death.
- The person arranging the funeral – this person assumes responsibility of ‘the client’
Timescales for registering the death
Please book your appointment online with your local registry office.
Under normal circumstances, deaths in England and Wales must be registered within 5 days.
In response to the Covid19 situation, the Government have legislated to make the following changes to way the Registry Offices will register deaths:
- the Register Office will now register deaths over the phone rather than in person.
Please ensure that you book your appointment online with your local registry office.
Documentation Required from you to Register the Death
To register the death, you will be asked for the following documentation:
- Medical certificate (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death).
- Medical card.
- Any benefit books.
- Marriage certificate, if there is a surviving husband or wife.
- You will also be asked for the following information about them:
- First name(s), family name and any maiden name.
- Date and place of death.
- Last permanent address.
- Date and place of birth (a copy of their birth certificate is helpful, but not essential).
- Occupation and name/occupation of any surviving husband or wife.
- Details of benefits being received, including state and private pension income.
What the Registrar will give to you
The registrar will issue two documents:
A Certificate for Burial and Cremation.
This is often known as the green certificate or form. It gives permission for the body to be buried or for an application for cremation to be made, and you should give this to the funeral director.
Certificate for Registration of Death – Form BD8
This document is also known as the Certified Copy – Entry of the Cause of Death – Death certificate. This is a legal document. You will need this to deal with the deceased affairs.
If a number a number of financial organisations including banks, building societies and insurance companies require notification to close the account relevant to the person who has died, you may find it useful to obtain addition copies from the registrar.
Many companies will require a certified copy of the death certificate (not a photocopy) when they are advised of the death.
You will also be issued with a certificate, which is commonly known as the green form. This gives permission for burial or cremation to take place and should be passed on to the funeral directors.