Who can register a death?

If the death was in hospital or in a private home (including a nursing or residential home), the following people can register the death:

• A relative.
• Someone who was present at the death but who is not a relative.
• Someone representing the “occupier” of the building where the death occurred (for example, the warden of a block of sheltered flats, the manager of a residential home).
• An official from the hospital.
• Anyone who has taken responsibility for arranging the funeral.

If the death was not in a public building or a private home, the following people can register it:

• A relative.
• Anyone present at the death.
• Anyone who has taken responsibility for arranging the funeral.

A relative should, if possible, register the death but the registrar allows non-relatives if no relative is available to register the death.

A comprehensive article on this and related issues can be found here on our website by following this link.