1. Get a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
You will need to do the following things at the earliest opportunity:
Call the family doctor or local GP
Call their nearest relative, if it
isn’t you
For more infomation on what to do when someone dies please visit
www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/what-to-do-when-someone-dies
CHECKLIST
It’s perfectly normal to be unsure of what to do when someone dies and we understand how dicult it can be when the deceased is
a relative or close friend. This checklist will help guide you through the process and ensure everything is taken care of before
arranging a funeral for your loved one.
What to do when someone dies
Obtain a Medical Certicate of Cause of
Death, signed by a doctor
A Medical Certicate may not be issued straight away if the
death is sudden or the cause of death is unknown. Unexpected
deaths will need to be reported to a coroner.
If available, but don't worry if not, take the person's:
Full name of the person who died
Their full home address
Their date and place of birth
Details of where and when the person died
Their occupation if applicable
If they were receiving any benets, including
pensions or allowance from public funds
The name, occupation and date of birth of their
spouse or civil partner if applicable
Ensure the registrar provides you with the following:
Certicate of the Registration of Death
In England and Wales: Green Certicate for
burial or cremation
In Scotland: Registration or Notication
of Death
In Northern Ireland: GR021 form
Death Certicate
Medical Certicate of Cause of Death
signed by a doctor
Birth Certicate
Council Tax bill
Driving License
Passport
Marriage/Civil Partnership Certicate
if applicable
NHS Medical Card
Proof of address
2. Register the death
You will need to do the following things within five days, or eight days if you live in Scotland:
Find a register oce in the area where the person died
Make an appointment at the register oce
Purchase additional death certicates for
when you’re sorting out your loved one’s aairs
and nances
To nd a register oce visit
gov.uk/register-oces
For more information visit
dignityfunerals.co.uk/coroner
3. Organ and body donation
Yes No Don’t KnowDid the person leave wishes for organ donation?
Did the person leave wishes for body donation?
If yes, the NHS will contact you and provide advice and information on what happens next
If yes, contact the local medical school who will provide advice and information on what happens next
Yes
No Don’t Know