Death - Registering

Normally relatives of the deceased register deaths but others can also do this when there are no relatives. These can be:-

• copy certificates
• a person present at the death
• a person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)
• in certain circumstances others such as the administrator or the occupier of the place where the death took place contact the Register office

A death should be registered in the district in which it occurs within 5 days, unless the Registrar says that this period may be extended, or if the Coroner is involved.

If you cannot attend Barnsley Register Office, a death can be registered at any Register Office in England or Wales. The same information must be provided and a declaration will need to be signed. This declaration will be posted back to the correct Register Office.

The Register Office in Barnsley operates an appointment system. An appointment can be made as soon as the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death has been issued by the doctor of the deceased. This Certificate should be taken with you when you attend the Register Office.

Appointments usually take around 30 minutes each. Deaths should be registered by a relative of the deceased but, if there are no relatives, then it is possible for other persons to register the death (see above). Appointments outside normal office hours can sometimes be arranged. Contact the Register Office for details.

The following information is required to enable a death to be registered:-

• The date and place of death
• The full name and surname of the deceased (and maiden name where appropropriate)
• The date and place of birth of the deceased, occupation and the full names and occupation of her husband if the deceased was a married woman or widow
• The deceased's usual address
• Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension from public funds
• If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of the spouse or civil partner
• Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds e.g. civil service or army pension

Although not essential, the following information would also be useful

• The National Health Service number or the medical card itself of the deceased
• Copies of the deceased's birth and marriage certificates

What Happens When I Register the Death?

A green form will be issued by the Registrar, or in unusual circumstances by the Coroner. This form must be taken to the Funeral Director to enable the funeral to be arranged.

A Registration or Notification of Death Form will also be issued for Social Security purposes. This form should be completed and returned to any local Department of Social Security Office as soon as possible.

It is sometimes necessary to obtain a death certificate which is a certified copy of the entry in the Death Register for which there is a cost. Death Certificates may be required by banks, building societies, solicitors or for some insurance and pension claims (photocopies are often not acceptable). It is advisable to obtain several copies of the standard death certificate at the time of registration as prices do increase periodically.

What Happens if a Death is Referred to the Coroner?

Coroners are officers appointed by the Council to investigate any sudden or unexplained death. They can be asked to look into a death by either the Doctor or Registrar. They are independent of both Local and Central Government and are required to act in accordance with laid down rules and procedures.

The Coroner has a number of courses of action open to him:-

• He may decide no action is necessary and inform the Registrar that the funeral can proceed as normal.
• He may decide to hold a post-mortem examination.
• He may decide to hold an inquest.

The Coroner's Officer will advise you of what to do next if either a post-mortem examination or an inquest is necessary.

There is no charge to register a death but copy certificates are available as follows:-

• From Registrar of Births and Deaths - £3.50 (current register).
• From Superintendent Registrar - £7.00 (previous registers more than approximately 3 months ago).

Payment can be made by cash, cheques, credit and debit cards. Cheques should be made payable to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Staff at the Register Office will be happy to advise you of the most appropriate person to register the death.

The Register Office can be contacted at:-

The Register Office
Town Hall
Barnsley
S70 2TA
Tel: 01226 773090
Location Map of Barnsley Town Hall

Email: Registration Services

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm

The following websites offer further information:-

• General Register Office
• Registration Services
• Deaths Historical Searches
• Civil Funerals