Registering a death
What you need to know
Please note:
A death should be registered within 5 days.
The doctor who was attending the deceased will issue a medical
cause of death certificate. This certificate will be handed to the
relative(s) for delivery to the registrar.
You can use our online
booking system to make an appointment, or you
can call 01243 642122.
If the death is referred to the coroner they will issue the medical
paperwork directly to the registrar. The coroner's officer will
usually contact you when the paperwork has been completed to enable
you to make an appointment to register the death.
If the death occurred in West Sussex, you may register at any of
our Registration Offices. Book
your appointment online or call 01243 642122.
If the death occurred outside of West Sussex,
you may still register the death, by
declaration, at any West Sussex Registration Office. We will
take the required information and forward it to the correct
registration district on your behalf. If you choose this
option please be aware you will not be issued with any documents
immediately. Documents will be posted to you within a few
days from the relevant registration district. It is important to
note that this could delay the funeral
arrangements. Book
your appointment online or call 01243 642122.
Who can register a death
A 'qualified' informant is needed to register a death. Normally
this means a relative of the deceased, but if there are no
relatives, then it is possible for other people to
register, such as:
- a relative of the deceased;
- a person present at the death;
- the owner/manager/matron of the residential home or
hospital administrator where the death occurred; or
- the person responsible for arranging the funeral.
Questions you will be asked
- When and where did the death occur?
- What were the full names of the deceased throughout their
lifetime?
- If the deceased was a woman who has been married, what was her
maiden name?
- What was the deceased's date and place of birth?
- What was their last paid occupation?
- If the deceased was married or widowed, what was the full
name and occupation of the spouse?
- If married, what was the date of birth of the surviving
spouse?
- If the deceased was a civil partner or surviving civil partner,
what was the name, date of birth and occupation of the
partner?
Documents to be handed to the registrar at the appointment
- The medical certificate cause of death issued by the doctor or
hospital (if applicable).
- The deceased’s medical card (if available).
The following documents are not essential but could be
useful in completing the registration:
- The deceased's birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
When the death has been entered in the register by the
registrar, you will be issued with the following, free of
charge:
- A green certificate for burial or cremation -
to be delivered to your funeral director. For some registrations
this form will have been issued by the coroner. The registrar will
advise you if this is the case.
- Form BD8 for cancellation of state
pension/benefits - This form is for the Department for
Work and Pensions. You will need to complete the form and send
it to your local office.
Certified copies of the death certificate are available at the
time of registration for a small fee. You may need these for
insurance or probate purposes.
Please see our interactive Bereavement
Guide for more information.
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