Registering a Death

Even when you are mourning a loved one there are unfortunately, some administrative procedures you must follow.  One of those procedures is to register the death.  A death must be registered before a burial or cremation can take place and the majority of deaths are registered by a relative of the deceased.

Where do I go?

When someone dies in England or Wales the death needs to be registered within 5 days at the register office for the district in which it happened. You can go to a different office if it is more convenient, but the process will take a day or two longer because the registrar will need to forward your information to the original district where the registrar will issue and send out the death certificate and other paperwork. Doing things this way may mean a slight delay to the funeral, since it is not possible for a burial or cremation to take place until after the registrar has issued the necessary paperwork.

Chester's registration office is at

Chester Register Office,
Goldsmith House, Goss Street,
Chester, CH1 2BG

Telephone: 01244 602668
Fax: 01244 602934
Email: chesterregisteroffice@cheshire.gov.uk

What documents do I need?

You just need the medical certificate of cause of death which was issued by the doctor treating the person who has died. The registrar will need to refer to it when making the registration. If possible, you should also take the deceased's NHS medical card.

What will I be given?

Certificate for burial or cremation - this is normally passed to the funeral director who cannot proceed with the funeral without it, by the relative who is making the arrangements.

Certificate for social security benefits - This certificate needs to be filled in and sent to your local Benefits office so that the Department for Work and Pensions (formerly the Department of Social Security) can sort out what happens to any benefits and state pensions.

You can find out more details from the Cheshire County Council Registration Service Registering a Death page (external link)