Last updated: 3 December 2024
Next review: 3 December 2025
We understand that this is a difficult time, and we are here to support you.
By law, you must register a death within 5 days, unless there is an investigation, which may take longer. The death must be registered in person at the register office in the borough where the death occurred.
Who can register a death?
A relative (this includes a partner whether they are the same sex or not) is usually responsible for registering the death. If a relative cannot do it, others who can include:
- Someone present at the time of death.
- An occupier of the premises where the death occurred.
- A hospital administrator (if the person died in a hospital).
- The person arranging the funeral.
How to register
If the death occurred in Waltham Forest, the medical examiner will contact the family and send us the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) electronically
Once this is sent, you can book an appointment.
What you should bring to the appointment
During the registration appointment, it's helpful to bring the following information:
- The deceased’s birth certificate or passport.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable).
- NHS medical card (if available).
- Details of the deceased’s occupation, address, and any previous names (e.g. maiden name).
- Information about a surviving or late spouse or civil partner, including name, date of birth, and occupation.
After registration
After registering the death, the registrar will issue a green certificate for burial or cremation, which should be given to your chosen funeral director.
Tell Us Once service
You can also use the Tell Us Once service, a free government program that allows you to notify various government agencies (e.g., HMRC, DWP, Passport Office) about the death in one go.
After registering the death, you will be provided with a reference number to access this service online.
Support services
Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things to happen in our lives.
During these times of grief, there are people you can talk to and organisations that provide various types of support.
Find out more about bereavement services available.