How to Obtain a Death Certificate

A death certificate is an official document certifying the death of an individual.

You will need a Death Certificcate for different legal and administrative purposes. For example, notifying banks and institutions of the death of your loved one. Or to claim life insurance, and notifying utilities and services providers of their passing.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to get a death certificate in the UK.

Registering a Death

Before obtaining a death certificate, you must register the death.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you must do this within 5 days of the death.

In Scotland, you have 8 days .

Where to register a death?

You will need to book an appointment at the Local Authority register office closest to where the death occurred in England and Wales.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can attend any register office.

What information and documents will you need to register a death?

Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) issued by a doctor
Deceased’s birth certificate
Deceased’s marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
Deceased’s proof of address
Your own identification

The registrar will issue a certificate for burial or cremation. You will also receive a GRO index reference number. This number is needed for ordering copies of the death certificate later .

Ordering a certified copy of a Death Certificate

Once the death is registered, you can order official certified copies of the death certificate.

There are three main ways to do this:

1. Online:

Visit the General Register Office (GRO) website: www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate
Register for an account and follow the instructions to order a death certificate .
You can order with or without the GRO index reference number. If you have the number, the process is quicker and cheaper .

2. By Post:

Download a death certificate application form from the GRO website or request one by phone .
Complete the form and send it to the address provided on the form .

3. In Person:

Visit the register office where the death was registered .
Provide the necessary information and make the payment to receive the certificate.
You can do a search of registery offices on the Find a Registry Office Service

How long does it take to get a certified copy?

This depends on your method of application:

Online: Standard service takes about 4 working days, while the priority service is a next day service.
By Post: Processing times for postal applications can take several weeks .
In Person: You can usually receive the certificate immediately at the register office .

To check the latest fees for certified copies of death certificates, check with the GRO.

Apostille Death Certificates

If the deceased had assets overseas, you might need to obtain an Apostille.

An Apostille is a certificate issued by the UK Government confirming that the Death Certificate is genuine.

You may need to obtain an Apostille on a Death Certificate if your loved one:

Owned a property abroad
Had a pension or life insurance abroad
Had financial assets abroad

Visit our Apostille Service for more detailed information on Apostilles.

Apostille death certificate — Order Death Certificate

How can you get an Apostille on a Death Certificate?

You can get an Apostille from the Legalisation Office of the FCDO yourself. But be careful, their processing times can run into several weeks during busy times.

We have counter access to the Legalisation Office. So our Apostille service provides a guaranteed turnaround time.

We send a messenger by foot to the FCDO every day to hand in and pick up documents for Apostille.

If we have your document in hand before 10.30am, it will be ready the next working day from 3.30pm or if after 10.30am, on the third working day.

Give us a call us today on +442074992605 or email us on notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk to enquire about this service.

Consular legalisation

Some countries also require a Consulate stamp. Our Country Guide provides information on how to get a Consulate Stamp. If you are dealing with a property or assets overseas and are unsure of what to do, just give us a call.

Give us a call us today on +442074992605 or email us on notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk to enquire about this service.

FAQs

Who can order a death certificate?

Anyone can order a copy of a death certificate in the UK.

What information do I need to order a death certificate?

You will need the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the place of death. Having the GRO index reference number obtained during the death registration process will make the process faster and cheaper.

Can I get a death certificate if I don’t have the GRO index reference number?

Yes, you can still order a certificate without the GRO index reference number. You will need to provide more identifying information.

What is the difference between a standard and a priority death certificate application?

The standard service takes around 4 working days to deliver the certificate, while the priority service delivers the next working day if ordered before 4pm. The priority service costs more.

Can I order a death certificate urgently if I need it for immediate travel or other emergencies?

Yes, you can request expedited service for urgent situations. Contact the General Register Office or your local register office and they will tell you what to do.

What if the death occurred overseas?

If the death of a British national occurred overseas, you may need to contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for assistance.

They can provide guidance on how to obtain a death certificate and register the death in the UK.

What if the death is being investigated by a coroner?

If the death is subject to a coroner’s inquest, you will not be able to order a death certificate until the coroner’s investigation is complete and they have issued a certificate allowing registration.

You can ask the coroner for an interim death certificate for administrative use whilst awaiting the full Death Certificate.

What should I do if I need a death certificate for use in a foreign country?

You may need to get the death certificate Apostilled, (authentication for official documents by the UK Government).

Q9: Where can I find more information or assistance?

A: For further guidance or specific questions, you can contact the General Register Office (GRO) or your local register office. Their contact details are available on the GRO website.