Registering a Death in Leicester

What to do when you need to register a death

When someone dies, the death must be registered before the funeral can usually take place. We understand this can feel confusing, especially when you are also trying to cope with grief.

At Bay Tree Funeral Directors in Blaby, Leicester, we can guide you through the next steps, explain what usually happens and help you understand when you are able to register the death.

For help or to book an appointment to discuss funeral arrangements, please call Bay Tree Funeral Directors on 0116 278 8868. We are available 24 hours a day.

Call 0116 278 8868

1. Wait for the medical examiner or coroner process

In England and Wales, all deaths are now reviewed either by a medical examiner or by the coroner.

After someone dies, the doctor will usually confirm the death and then contact the medical examiner. The medical examiner is a senior doctor who was not involved in the care of the person who has died. Their role is to review the cause of death and make sure it is accurate.

The medical examiner’s office may contact you to explain the cause of death and answer any questions you may have about the care your loved one received.

You must wait until the medical examiner’s office confirms that you can register the death.

2. Register the death within the correct timescale

Once the medical examiner’s office confirms that you can register the death, the death should usually be registered within 5 days. This includes weekends and bank holidays.

If the death has been referred to the coroner, the process may be different and registration may be delayed until the coroner has completed the necessary enquiries.

If you need more than 5 days to register the death after being told you can do so, you should contact the register office as soon as possible.

3. Where to register the death

The death must usually be registered in the district where the person died.

If the death happened in Leicester, the registration is handled by Leicester City Council. Leicester City Council says appointments usually take place at Leicester Town Hall and take around 30 minutes.

If the death happened in the Leicestershire County Council area, you can book an appointment through Leicestershire Registration Service.

If you are unsure whether the death should be registered with Leicester City Council or Leicestershire County Council, we can help guide you.

4. Who can register a death?

A death is usually registered by a relative, including a partner or representative of the deceased. If a relative is not available, other people may be able to register the death.

This can include someone who was present at the death, the occupier of the house, hospital or care home where the death happened, or the person arranging the funeral.

5. What information will the registrar ask for?

During the appointment, the registrar will usually ask for details about the person who has died, including:

• The date and place of death
• Their full name and usual address
• Their date and place of birth
• Their occupation
• Details of any spouse or civil partner
• Their NHS number, if available
• Details of any pension or benefits received

6. What should you take to the appointment?

If available, it can be helpful to take documents such as:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate, if applicable
• NHS number document, such as a prescription or doctor’s letter
• A debit or credit card to pay for death certificates

Do not worry if you cannot find all of these documents. Registration can often still be completed, but accurate information is important because errors can delay the funeral or require a correction later.

7. What happens after the death is registered?

After the death has been registered, the registrar will issue the paperwork needed for burial or cremation. This is sometimes referred to as the green form.

The registrar may send this directly to the funeral director, crematorium or burial authority. The funeral cannot usually take place until the correct paperwork has been issued.

You will also be able to buy official death certificates. These are often needed for banks, pensions, insurance, property, probate and other legal or financial matters.

8. Tell Us Once service

At the registration appointment, you may be given details for the Tell Us Once service. This is a government service that allows you to notify several government departments about the death without contacting each one separately.

The registrar will explain how to use the service and provide a unique reference number if it is available to you.

9. If the death has been referred to the coroner

If the death has been referred to the coroner, you may not be able to register the death straight away. The coroner may need to make enquiries, arrange a post-mortem examination or, in some cases, open an inquest.

If an inquest is needed, the coroner may issue interim paperwork so that practical arrangements can continue before the final registration takes place.

We can support you during this process and explain what this may mean for the funeral arrangements.

Personal guidance from Bay Tree Funeral Directors

You do not have to understand everything straight away. If you are unsure what to do, what paperwork is needed, or whether you can begin making funeral arrangements, we are here to help.

Bay Tree Funeral Directors can guide families across Leicester, Blaby and Leicestershire with care, dignity and understanding.

Book an Appointment to Discuss Funeral Arrangements

Once you feel ready, we can arrange an appointment at our funeral home in Blaby, Leicester, or speak with you over the phone.

We will explain your options clearly and help you arrange a funeral that reflects your loved one’s life, beliefs and wishes.

To speak with us or book an appointment, please call 0116 278 8868.

Registering a Death FAQs

When should a death be registered?

In England and Wales, you must wait until the medical examiner’s office confirms that you can register the death. Once you have been told you can register, the death should usually be registered within 5 days, unless the coroner is involved or the register office agrees otherwise.

Can I register the death before the medical examiner contacts me?

No. You should wait until the medical examiner’s office or registrar confirms that the paperwork has been completed and that you can register the death.

Where do I register a death in Leicester?

If the death happened in Leicester, the death is usually registered with Leicester City Council. If the death happened in the wider Leicestershire County Council area, registration is usually handled by Leicestershire Registration Service.

Who can register a death?

A relative will usually register the death. If a relative is not available, someone present at the death, the occupier of the place where the death happened, or the person arranging the funeral may be able to register.

Can I arrange the funeral before registering the death?

You can contact us and begin discussing funeral arrangements before registration, but the funeral cannot usually take place until the necessary registrar or coroner paperwork has been issued.

What happens if the coroner is involved?

If the coroner is involved, registration may be delayed. The coroner will explain what happens next and may issue interim paperwork if an inquest is needed. We can support you throughout this process.

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