A death should normally be registered within five days (unless a coroner is investigating the circumstances leading to a death).
The death must be registered at the register office for the district where the death occurred.
For deaths in Warrington, you must register the death at the register office, Museum Street, Warrington. It is preferable for a close relative of the deceased to register the death. If there are no relatives, then it is possible for other persons to register the death. Please contact the register office for advice on 442194.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes - for your convenience we operate an appointments system. To make an appointment please call 442762. This office is open from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
What will I need to bring with me?
You must bring a medical certificate of cause of death issued by the doctor who was treating the deceased. If the death has been referred to the coroner you will be told what to do by the coroner's officer.
What happens when the death occurs in hospital?
When the death occurs in hospital, the hospital staff will contact the person named as next of kin and issue a Medical Certificate showing the cause of death. The hospital will also advise on how to register the death.
When happens if the death occurs elsewhere?
Expected death: If the death was expected you should contact the doctor who attended the person during their final illness.
If that doctor can certify the cause of death they will give you:
- a medical certificate showing the cause of death. The certificate will be in a sealed envelope addressed to the registrar and will be given to you free of charge.
- a formal notice stating that the doctor has signed the medical certificate and advising you how to register the death.
Unexpected death: If you discover a body, or a death is sudden or unexpected, you should contact the police who will help you to find and notify the necessary people, for example:
- the coroner
- the family doctor
- the deceased's nearest relative
- the deceased's minister of religion
What information will the registrar need to know about the deceased?
- date and place of death
- full name, surname and maiden surname if a married woman
- date and place of birth
- occupation and if a married woman or widow, the full name and occupation of her husband
- usual home address
- if married, the date of birth of the surviving widow or widower
- whether in receipt of a pension or allowance from public funds.
Certificates and forms
A green form is issued for you to take to the funeral director (other procedures may apply if the death has been referred to the coroner). You will also be given a form for social security purposes. These are free of charge.
Cost of death certificates at the time of registration is £4.00 each, cash or cheque.
Please be aware that certificates will cost £7.00 for a minimum of one month after the registration and will then increase to £10.00 after that.
Click on the link on the bottom of the page for further information on purchasing certificates (this is only relevant to deaths that have already been registered).
Cemeteries and crematoria service
The cemeteries and crematoria service is most conscious of the personal and private grief that surrounds each individual family following a bereavement.
The service aims to provide as much information as possible regarding bereavement arrangements.