Essential information for registering a death in Plymouth and surrounding areas
When someone close to you dies, registering a death is an important legal step that must be completed promptly. In Plymouth, Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash and across the region, the process has been designed to be as straightforward as possible, though it cannot be carried out by your funeral service. WestCountry Funeral Service is here to guide you through what to expect and help you prepare the necessary details and documents.
When and how to make an appointment to register a death
A death should be registered within five working days of the date it occurred, although exceptions can sometimes apply. The process itself cannot be handled by your funeral director, but many of the necessary forms are posted or emailed directly to you. Once the medical certificate confirming the cause of death has been issued by a doctor or the coroner, it is usually sent straight to the Register Office electronically. You will then need to contact the Register Office to arrange an appointment to register the death in person. Appointments are always face-to-face and must be booked in advance. During your appointment, you will be asked for specific details about the person who has died. It is important to gather this information beforehand to avoid delays.
What you'll need
When registering a death, be prepared to share:
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The medical certificate of the cause of death from a doctor or the coroner
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The date and place the person died
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Their full name and any other names they were known by (including a maiden name)
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Date and place of birth
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Their usual occupation
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Home address
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Marital status, including the full name and last occupation of their spouse or civil partner
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National Health number (if available)
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Pension information, particularly if they received a government pension
Who can register
The following people can legally register a death:
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A relative of the deceased
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Someone present at the death
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The occupier of the address where the death took place (if aware of the death)
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The person responsible for arranging the funeral
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Once the registration is complete, you will receive several documents:
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A death certificate (available for a fee), used for probate, pensions, insurance and similar matters
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A certificate for burial or cremation (the green form), which allows funeral arrangements to proceed
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A certificate of registration of death (form BD8) for social security purposes
What families say about WestCountry Funeral Service
“I would highly recommend WestCountry Funeral Service. I was recommended to them through a local contact.
From my first meeting with Richard my family and I found him caring and sensitive and nothing was rushed. Richard and his team ensured nothing was left to chance and on the day made a difficult time easy. They also kept in regular touch at the agreed times to update me and took great care of my Dad. Thank you so much.”
Natalie Titmus (Google testimonial)
Get help registering a death with WestCountry Funeral Service today
If you need support understanding the process of registering a death in Plymouth, Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash or elsewhere in the area, WestCountry Funeral Service is ready to help. Our experienced team can guide you through each step and ensure you have everything you need before your Register Office appointment. Contact us today for clear, compassionate assistance when you need it most.
