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Registering
A Death
Registering a death is one of the only elements of the funeral planning process that your funeral director cannot do for you. Here is a simple guide on how to register a death. Please do get in touch with us if you need advice or guidance…
Registering A Death
The medical examiner will contact you
The medical examiner is an independent senior doctor. Their role is to review the medical records, speak with the attending practitioner, and together agree on the wording for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. Within a few days of the death, the Medical Examiner’s office will contact you by phone. They will explain to you what the cause of death will be recorded as or if the death has been referred to the coroner. Provided a coroner referral is not required, you will have the opportunity to raise any questions about the cause of death or the care received.
You will be contacted by a medical examiners officer if death occurred at home or in a care home or by the bereavement team for deaths occurring in hospital to let you know the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been sent to the register office local, to the place of death. You can now make an appointment with the Registrar.
Where to register the death?
You will need to register the death at the office local to the place where the person died. You can use another office if you prefer, but it may take longer to get the necessary documents, which could delay the funeral arrangements.
Local Register Office locations and contact numbers
Salford: Salford Civic Centre, Swinton, Manchester M27 5AW Telephone: 0161 793 2500
(Please note Salford Register Office will move from Salford Civic Centre into Buile Hill Mansion, in Buile Hill Park, early February 2026)
Bolton: The Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU Telephone: 01204 331185
Manchester: Heron House, 47 Lloyd Street, Manchester M2 5LE Telephone: 0161 234 5005
Trafford: Sale Town Hall Tatton Road Sale M33 7HY Telephone: 0161 912 3025
Who can register a death?
A relative, partner or personal representative of the person who has died will usually register the death.
The death can also be registered by:
- Someone who was present when the death occurred
- An occupant of the house/official from the hospital where the death occurred
- The person making the funeral arrangements
What information and documents are needed to register a death?
There is certain information and documents that are needed to register a death.
Documents you need to produce
In respect of the deceased:
Identification to prove name, date of birth and place of birth. This may be a passport or full birth certificate.
- If the deceased was married, you should also produce the marriage certificate.
- Proof of address should be shown which can include a driving licence, a recent utility bill or council tax bill.
- If you have the NHS medical card for the deceased, you should also show this to the Registrar.
For the person registering the death:
- Identification such as passport or driving licence.
- You also need to bring proof of address for yourself such as a driving licence, council tax bill or recent utility bill.
During the appointment - Information the registrar will need
Details of the deceased:
- Date and place of death
- First name, middle names (if applicable), and surname
- Any other names the deceased was otherwise or previously known by
- Maiden name (if applicable)
- Date and place of birth
- Occupation and whether retired or not
- Address
Details of the spouse/civil partner of deceased:
- First name, middle names (if applicable), and surname
- If deceased or not
- Occupation
- If retired or not
- Date of birth
- Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds
The registrar will also ask if the deceased is to be buried or cremated, where this is due to take place and who is dealing with the funeral arrangements and there contact details – Unique Funerals Email: info@unique-funerals.co.uk Telephone: 0161 703 9944.
What the registrar will give you?
The Registrar will issue the following documents to you:
- A death certificate – each certificate costs £12.50
- A Certificate for Burial or Cremation (called the green form) which is to be given to the funeral director
- The Registrar will also explain the Government’s “Tell us once service”, which allows you to report a death to most Government offices in one go.