Registering a death can be a distressing time. Our advice about how to register a death explains what is involved, the certain procedures that must be followed, how and when to do it.
after someone dies
After someone dies, a medical examiner will check the cause of death to make sure it’s accurate. They will be a senior doctor and they will not have been involved in the care of the person who has died.
The medical examiner’s office will then contact you to:
- explain the cause of death
- answer any questions you have about this or the healthcare provided to the person before they died
This is voluntary and you do not have to speak to them.
registering the death
You’ll also be contacted by the medical examiner’s office to confirm you can register the death.
Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) of being contacted.
register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland) of being contacted
after you’ve registered the death
When you register a death, you’ll get a certificate for burial or cremation (the ‘green form’). This gives you permission for a burial or to apply for a cremation.
Give the certificate to your funeral director. You must do this before the funeral can take place.
You’ll also be able to buy death certificates – these prove the death has been registered. These certificates will be needed for sorting out the person’s affairs.
who can register the death
- relative
- co-occupant of the house
- relative
- person who was present at the death
- hospital official
- person in charge of planning the funeral (except the funeral director)
register a death in Cwmbran
Pontypool Register Office
Civic Centre
Pontypool
NP4 6YB
01495 742 132
register a death in Newport
Newport Register Office
The Mansion House
Stow Park Circle
Newport
NP20 4HE
01633 414 770
register a death in Monmouthshire
Monmouthshire County Council
Rhadyr
Usk
NP15 1GA
01873 735 435
register a death in Caerphilly
Penallta House Council Offices
Tredomen Park
Ystrad Mynach
CF82 7PG
01443 863 478
register a death in Cardiff
Superintendent Registrar
City Hall
(North West Entrance)
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3ND
02920 871 680
register a death in Blaenau Gwent
Bedwellty House
Morgan Street
Tredegar
NP22 3XN
01495 353 378
we’re here for you…
We’re here to lend a helping hand if you would like to discuss anything with us. If you would like help understanding how to register a death, get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk you through it.
