Registering a death
We understand that it can be very daunting to have to face registering a death. This page is designed to guide you but if you would rather speak to someone personally, please contact the appropriate Register Office. This page tells you:
- about the repatriation of a deceased person
The registration of a death is required to be given in person within 5 days of the death, or where a dead body has been found, within 5 days following the day on which the body was found. This is in accordance with the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, although the death should be registered as soon as possible to avoid delays in making funeral arrangements.
If the death occurred in Sheffield, please contact Sheffield Register Office to make an appointment.
If the death did not occur in Sheffield, either contact the Register Office for the district where the death took place or telephone, or call into, this office and ask about registering by declaration.
You need the death certificate before the death can be registered. You can obtain this from the hospital, doctor or the Coroner. It would also be helpful if you can provide copies of the deceased's birth certificate or medical card and, if the deceased was married, their marriage certificate.
To contact other Register Offices please follow these links:
Who can register the death?
The following people, in order of preference, are legally required to register a death:
- A relative
- A person present at the death
- The occupier of the premises where the death occurred, if he/she was aware of the death
- The person arranging the funeral (this does not mean the funeral director)
- If you are unsure if you can legally register the death please contact Sheffield Register Office
What information is needed
- The date and place of death
- Their full name. If the deceased was a married woman, the surname/family name used before marriage
- Their date and place of birth
- Their occupation
- If the deceased was a married woman or widow, the full name and occupation of her husband
- If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower
- Their usual address
- Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds
Costs of registration
- Death certificates cost £3.50 each at the time of the registration but copy certificates may be obtained at any other time for the standard fee of £7.00 each. Getting copy certificates
- We will give you a document to enable you to make the funeral arrangements. If the death was referred to the Coroner, there may be other procedures
- We will also give you a form for Social Security purposes
You may need a death certificate for:
- Probate or letters of administration
- Banks and building society accounts
- Insurance companies
- Stocks and shares
- Solicitors
Repatriation of a deceased person
Relatives who need to either bring back or send a body abroad should discuss this matter with a funeral director who will then liaise with the Coroners Office and arrange for any necessary paperwork to be issued.
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