In the UK, you must formally record a person’s passing with the General Register Office (GRO) within five days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or within eight days in Scotland. At your appointment, you’ll be given a GRO index reference number, which allows you to order certificates as needed. These official records can be requested online, by post, or in person.
Registering a Death in the UK: Timeframes & Process
In England and Wales, you should officially notify the local Register Office closest to where the person has died. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can attend any Register Office to complete the formalities.
You will need ID for yourself and the deceased. You should also gather documents confirming their key personal information. These might include:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of address
- State Pension document
- NHS letter
- Letter from last place of employment
- MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death)
It’s best to check what certificates you need with the individual registry office.
Appointments to record a person’s passing are free of charge. However, you will need to pay for each copy of a certificate. You’ll also receive a GRO reference number, which you can use to order copies later or share with those handling the estate.
How to Order a Death Certificate (Online, In Writing, In Person)
When an organisation or solicitor asks for proof, you’ll need to supply certified copies issued by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
You can request multiple copies at the time you complete the registration. Additional documents can also be acquired later in three ways:
- Online: Create an account on GOV.UK and order directly.
- By Post: Download an application form from GOV.UK or request one by phone from the General Register Office.
- In Person: Visit the Register Office where the passing was officially recorded.
If you don’t have the GRO reference number, a £3 search fee will apply when you order a copy.
Understanding Certificate Fees: Standard vs. Priority Service
When you need a record urgently, you can order a certificate online. The certificate fees are £11 per copy for the standard service (subject to change). Orders are usually sent within four working days.
The priority service costs £35 per copy. The GRO will dispatch your copies of the death certificate the next working day if ordered before 16:00.
We recommend ordering three or more certified copies to ensure a streamlined estate planning process and make funeral or cremation arrangements easier.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate?
Online orders typically arrive within a week. If you opt for the priority service, the certificate(s) should be with you in 2 – 3 days. Postal applications can take longer.
When You Need to Get Your Death Certificate Apostilled
If a death occurred in one country but the record must be recognised abroad, you may need an apostille. This legalises the document for international use.
Typical scenarios include:
- Managing property or assets overseas
- Handling insurance claims abroad
- Terminating pensions or benefits paid from another country
- Settling cross-border legal or financial disputes
Always check the exact requirements of the country where the certificate will be presented. Some countries may also require consular legalisation.
How to Get Your Death Certificate Apostille
A notary public such as Notary.co.uk can obtain an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
We require the original certificate. With our Premium Service, your documents will be ready the next working day if received before 10:30, or by the third day if received later. The Standard Service takes five working days.
Usually, a death record does not need to be notarised before it is apostilled. If required, we can only notarise an original and not a photocopy.
We’re Here to Help!
Simply message us below or call 020 7630 1777 to arrange legalisation for a death record. We understand this can be a sensitive matter and work hard to make the process simple and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Death Certificates
How do I register a death in the UK?
In England and Wales, you should register a death at the local Register Office closest to where the person died, usually within five days. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can register at any local Register Office within eight days. You’ll need identification for yourself and documents confirming the deceased’s details, such as their birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate, proof of address, NHS card, or a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
How much does a UK death certificate cost?
The standard fee is £11 per copy (subject to change). If you don’t have the General Register Office (GRO) reference number, an additional £3 search fee may apply. Many families order multiple copies at the time of registration to make estate administration easier.
How long does it take to receive a death certificate?
- Standard service: Certificates are typically issued within 5 working days when ordered online.
- Priority service: Costs £35 per certificate and is usually dispatched the next working day if ordered by 4pm.
- Postal applications: These can take longer to process and deliver.
Who can order a copy of a death certificate?
Usually, immediate family members, executors, or solicitors managing the estate can order copies. You will need the GRO index reference number and some details about the deceased to complete the application.
Do I need an apostille for a death certificate?
If the death certificate needs to be recognised abroad (for example, to manage property, inheritance, or insurance matters overseas), you may need to have it legalised with an apostille by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). A notary public can help you obtain this service quickly.