Registering A Death
When a loved one has passed away one of the first things you will need to do is register the death. You can start to make funeral arrangements before this. However you won't be able to hold it until the death has been registered. We understand losing a loved one can be difficult, however a death legally needs to be registered within five days in England. Once a death is registered you will then have the documents needed for the funeral to proceed.
Deaths can be registered by friends, a relative of the deceased, by anyone present at the death, or the personal planning and making the funeral arrangements.
A death should be registered at the register office in the borough where the death took place. If you choose to register in another register office, please be aware that the registrar in that office will not be able to issue certificates or any paperwork to allow the funeral to take place.
It's always best to check with the register office to see if you need an appointment before you go.
Registering a Death with Croydon Council
You need to make an appointment to register a death with Croydon Council. They have a helpful four-step guide on their website. It runs through:
1. Who can register a death
2. The information you need to provide
3. Booking an appointment
4. Notifying organisations and departments of the death
Croydon's Register Office's address is:
Ground Floor Offices, Croydon Town Hall, Fell Road, Croydon CR0 1NX.
The phone number is 020 8726 6300.
Registering a Death with Bromley Council
You will be contacted by the Bromley Register Office to make an appointment once the Medical Certificate has been received and reviewed by the Medical Examiner.
Bromley's Register Office's address is:
Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley BR1 1AS.
The phone number is 0300 303 8667.
What Do You Need To Take To The Register Office
When you go to register a death, there are a number of things that you will need to take with you, once of the most important things is the medical certificate showing the cause of death (this must of been signed by a doctor). However, there is a list of other documentation you should take with you, if you can find it, these are:
Birth Certificate
Council Tax Bill
Driving License
Marriage or Partnership Certificate
NHS Medical Card
Passport
Proof of Address
Information You Need To Tell The Registrar
During your appointment when registering the death, there are a few things you may need to tell the registrar, these are:
Your friend or relative's name
Any names previously used, such as a maiden name
Date and place of birth
Their last address
Their occupation
The full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse and whether they were getting a state pension or any other benefits.
