Registering a Death – A Compassionate Guide to Navigating the Process
Losing a loved one is never easy, and registering a death can feel overwhelming — especially when there are legal steps and time limits involved.
At Rounce Funeral Services, we’re here to guide you through what needs to be done, explain what applies in your situation, and help you feel confident that nothing important is being missed.
If this feels daunting, that’s completely understandable. We’re always happy to explain things gently, check what applies to you, or simply talk it through at your pace.
There’s no pressure to arrange anything — we’re here to help you understand.
Obtaining The Documents That Are Required
In many cases, parts of this process are handled on your behalf, and we can help you understand what still needs to be done — and what doesn’t.
Some deaths may need to be referred to the Coroner. If this is not the case, the doctor who was attending the deceased will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
This certificate will be passed to the Medical Examiner, who will review it along with the medical records. The Medical Examiner will offer the family the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.
Once all parties are satisfied with the cause of death, the Medical Examiner will send the medical certificate to the registrar. The next of kin will also be notified and will have five days to register the death.
Registering a Death in a Different County
The death must be registered in the district where it occurred, not where the next of kin lives.
However, you can provide details at any Registration Office in England and Wales via registration by declaration, though this will cause a short delay in receiving the necessary documents for the funeral, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims, and handling the deceased's estate.
Who Can Register The Death?
One of the following individuals must make an appointment with the local registrar:
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A relative of the deceased.
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A person present at the death.
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The occupier of the house or nursing home where the death took place.
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The person arranging the funeral (not the Funeral Director).
Information Needed To Register A Death
When registering the death, the registrar will ask for the following details about the deceased:
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Date and place of death.
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Full names (including maiden name where applicable).
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Date and place of birth.
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Occupation.
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Usual address.
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If married or widowed, the full names and occupation of their spouse or late spouse.
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If they were receiving any pensions or allowances from public funds.
It may be helpful to bring supporting documents such as a birth or marriage certificate if you are unsure of any details.
Many families worry about not having all of this information to hand.
That’s very common — and we can help you work through what’s needed.
We’ll help you take this one step at a time.
Tell Us Once
The Tell Us Once service allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go.
The registrar will explain the process during your appointment and either:
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Complete the Tell Us Once service with you.
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Provide a unique reference number so you can use the service online or by phone.
You must use the service within 28 days of receiving the reference number. If an inquest is required, you can still request a reference number, but you will need to obtain an interim death certificate from the Coroner first.
What To Do With The Certificates
The registrar will issue two important certificates:
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Green Certificate (for burial or cremation): Sent directly to Rounce Funeral Services by the registrar.
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Death Certificate (White Copy): This is needed to manage financial and legal matters, such as handling the deceased’s estate. Copies can be purchased from the registrar for £12.50 each.
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If the Coroner has conducted a post-mortem, the green certificate will be replaced by a yellow certificate, which allows the funeral to proceed even if investigations are ongoing.
Where Can I Register The Death?
You may be able to book an appointment online via the county council’s website where the death occurred. If you prefer to book by phone, you can contact the registration office closest to the place of death:
Local Registration Offices:
Worthing Registration Office
Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing, BN11 1HS
Tel: 01243 642122
Bognor Regis Registration Office
Durban House, South Bersted Business Park, Durban Road, Bognor Regis PO22 9RE
Tel: 01243 642122
Brighton & Hove Register Office
Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton, BN1 1JA
Tel: 01273 292016
Burgess Hill Registration Office
Burgess Hill Library, 15-19 The Martlets, Burgess Hill, RH15 9NN
Tel: 01243 642122
Crawley Registration Office
Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6HG
Tel: 01243 642122
Chichester Registration Office
Edes House, West Street, Chichester, PO19 1RQ
Tel: 01243 642122
Eastbourne Registration Office
Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne BN21 4UG
Tel: 0345 60 80 198
Haywards Heath Registration Office
Haywards Heath Library, 34 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1BN
Tel: 01243 642122
Horsham Registration Office
Park House, North Street, Horsham RH12 9SB
Tel: 01243 642122
Lewes Registration Office
Southover Grange, Southover Road, Lewes BN7 1TP
Tel: 01273 475589
Littlehampton Registration Office
Littlehampton Library, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5NA
Tel: 01243 642122
Midhurst Registration Office
The Grange, Bepton Road, Midhurst GU29 9HD
Tel: 01243 642122
Shoreham-by-Sea Registration Office
Health Centre, Pond Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5US
Tel: 01243 642122
Storrington Registration Office
Storrington Library, Ryecroft Lane, Storrington RH20 4PA
Tel: 01243 642122
Here for You, Whenever You Need Us
Registering a death can feel daunting, especially when you’re already coping with loss. You don’t have to work through it alone.
At Rounce Funeral Services, we’re here to offer calm, compassionate guidance — answering questions, explaining what happens next, and helping you feel reassured that everything is being handled properly.
If you’d like advice, reassurance, or simply to talk things through with an experienced funeral director, we’re always happy to help.
