Register a death

Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD)

For members of the public

The surgery, hospital or hospice which dealt with the death of your loved one will send the document to our office and tell you when they have done so. If you have acquired a Medical Certificate Cause of Death, please return it to the surgery, hospital or hospice that issued it.

For surgeries, hospitals and hospices

Scan and upload a Medical Certificate Cause of Death (MCCD)

Registering a death

You must book an appointment to register a death.

A death must be registered in the district where it occurred. It should be registered within five days unless the coroner is involved.

If the death has been Reported to a coroner, they will inform you when you are able to make an appointment to register the death.

If you are registering a death which occurred outside Kirklees we send the details to the district where it occurred. They are responsible for issuing a death certificate and paperwork for the funeral.

Who should register the death

A relative should register the death.

If a relative can't register the death, you can do it if you:

• were there at the time of death
• are an administrator from the hospital (if the person died in hospital)
• are in charge of making funeral arrangements

Cost

There is no charge for registering a death. Forms will be given to you free of charge for use by the funeral director and the Department of Work and Pensions.

You may purchase copies of the register entry in the form of a death certificate on the day of registration.

They cost £11.00 each. Payment can be made by credit or debit card or online after the appointment.

Registrars fees

What the registrar needs to know

• the person's full name at the time of death
• any names previously used, e.g. maiden name
• the person's date and place of birth
• their last address
• their occupation
• the full name, date of birth and occupation of a surviving or late spouse or civil partner
• whether they were getting a State Pension or any other benefits

What you should bring to the appointment

You should take supporting documents that show your name and address (e.g. a utility bill) but you can still register a death without them.

If available (but do not worry if not), also take the person's:

• birth certificate
• Council Tax bill
• driving licence
• marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• medical card, (NHS Card)
• passport
• a document with the person's usual address.

Please note that you are not legally required to bring these documents but if you do, they can help to ensure that the registration is completed accurately.

What the registrar will give you

When you register a death you'll get:

• a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (known as the Green Form) gives permission for burial or an application for cremation. It should be taken to the funeral director so that the funeral can be held;
• give you a Certificate of Registration of Death (BD8) - this is for Social Security purposes only. If you complete the Tell us once service your Pension Centre will be informed automatically. If not, you will need to use this form to notify them of a change in circumstances.
• Give you a Tell Us Once reference number and letter explaining how you can automatically inform a number of departments including the Department for Work and Pensions, Kirklees Council, DVLA, Passport Office and HM Revenue and Customs

You can buy extra death certificates - these will be needed for Sorting out the person's affairs.

There is a free, easy-to-use service which allows families to inform companies such as banks, insurance, gas, water, telecoms and social media, connected to the deceased, from one place. Register an account with Life Ledger .

Register offices

In Kirklees there are two register offices one in Huddersfield and the other in Dewsbury. See Register offices for contact details and directions.