How to register a death
The death of a close friend or relative can be distressing and stressful. There are many things to do after someone dies and one of the most important is to register the death. Every death in England and Wales has to be registered within 5 days. This is a legal requirement (unless any Coroner’s involvement prevents this).
Where can I register the death?
You can register a death at any of the Hampshire Register Offices if the death occurred in Hampshire. Please telephone to make an appointment. If you are unable to attend a Register Office in Hampshire, you may make a death declaration at any Register Office in England or Wales. The declaration will then be sent to the Register Office in the area where the death occurred and the death certificates, together with the authority allowing the funeral director to proceed with funeral arrangements will be sent to you by post. This may cause a delay in organising the funeral.
Who can register the death?
A death should preferably be registered by a close relative of the deceased. However, if there are no relatives, it is possible for someone else to register, for example:
Someone who was present at the death
The owner or manager of the residential home or hospital where the death occurred
The person making the arrangements with the funeral directors
You can receive further advice by telephoning the Hampshire Registration Service.
For further information about registering a death please visit the General Register Office website.