When a death occurs, whether it is in a hospital, care home or at home a doctor

must be notified as soon as possible; in hospitals and many care homes,

this will be done automatically.

If the cause of death is clear, the doctor will complete and sign a cause of

death certificate. If the cause of death is unknown, the Coroner may be

informed. If as a result of this, a post mortem examination is required,

the issuing of a death certificate may be delayed. We will help should this situation arise.

Every death has to be registered and should be registered in the district in which the death took place. This must be done
within 5 days of the death taking place. The opening hours of the Registrar’s offices vary and most of them operate an appointment system. We can advise you on telephone numbers and opening hours of the Registrars.

One of the following must register the death -

A relative of the deceased
A person present at the death
A person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)
In certain circumstances others, such as the administrator of an Elderly Persons Home, can register the death.

If you are uncertain you can always ask us for advice.

The majority of deaths are registered by a relative of the deceased. The Registrar would normally allow one of the other listed persons to register the death only if there were no relatives available. 

Information required by the Registrar -

Date and place of death.
Name and surname of the deceased.
Maiden name; if the deceased was a woman who had married.
Date and place of birth (if a birth certificate is available this is better).
Name and occupation of husband, where the deceased was a married woman/widow. Usual address.
Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds.
If the deceased was married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower.
The deceased’s medical card, if available, should also be given to the Registrar.

In return for this information, the Registrar will give you the following:-

1. A Green Certificate for the Funeral Director
2. A White Certificate (Bd8) for Social Security purposes. This needs to be handed to the D.W.P.
3. Copies of Entry of Death Certificate (a small fee is payable for these) these certificates are used for Banks, Building Societies, Insurance etc.

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Below is guidance for you to follow for the registration process for the borough of Cheshire East