Register a death
Please find all the information required to register a death with us during this difficult time.
We are here to make the process of registering a death as simple as possible.
All deaths are registered in person, by appointment.
Book an appointment to register a death
For any other enquiries, please fill in our online form or phone: 020 7641 7500
Guidance for bereavement
We are here to support you and ensure, where possible, that your needs and wishes are met.
We recognise that many people may have questions about current procedures regarding death. We have created a document where you can find information, guidance, and advice on deaths, funerals, and bereavement.
Support for bereavement and grief
The loss of a loved one is always difficult. Support and advice are available for those in need. In addition to the support included in the guidance above, here is some further information.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a voluntary service. It enables you to report a death to a number of central and local government services securely and confidentially without having to inform them individually.
After you have registered the death with a registrar, you will be provided with a unique Tell Us Once reference number which will enable you to access the Tell Us Once service on gov.uk.
Watch a short video explaining the Tell Us Once service.
Read a list of central and local government services on the attached PDF.
You will still be able to use the Tell Us Once service if you have been issued with a Coroners Fact of Death (interim certificate).
Please contact the Westminster Registration Service by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0207 641 7500, and a Registrar will advise you.
Out of hours burials
Our out of hours on call service is for the issue of burial certificates required for a funeral that is to take place within 24 hours. The service is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 9am and 11am. Please contact us on 020 7641 1310 between these hours.
The registrar on call will issue the burial certificate if:
- you can provide confirmation that the burial is to take place within 24 hours
- we have received the correctly completed MCCD from the Medical Examiner
- the death does not have to be referred to the coroner
- you are qualified to register the death
There is no legal basis for the mortuary or the persons holding the body to require sight of the green Certificate for Burial or Cremation in order to release the body. The certificate is not intended for this purpose and will not be issued unless the criteria above are met.
Accessibility
If you require any accessibility assistance during your appointment then please see the link to Wel-co.ME on your booking confirmation email. This will enable you to provide your accessibility details on WelcoME.com in preparation for your appointment.
Published: 18 January 2021
Last updated: 22 October 2024