Register a death

Find out how to register a death in Kingston.

How it works

Deaths must be registered within 5 days of the medical paperwork being received by the register office. The medical examiner or coroner will let the register office know when a person dies. 

When we receive the paperwork, we’ll contact you to book a registration appointment. 

Check what to do after a death using the GOV.UK step by step guide.

If you have been given a medical cause of death certificate, email registrars@kingston.gov.uk or call 020 8547 6196 for advice.

Who can register a death 

You can register a death if you:

• are a relative
• were with the person when they died
• the partner of the deceased (living as partners in an enduring relationship)
• live at the address where the person died
• a personal representative of the deceased (such as a solicitor)
• are arranging the funeral (but not the undertaker)

What you’ll need to know

The registrar will ask for the following information about the deceased:

• date of death
• where the death occurred
• full name (including any other names they may have been known by)
• date of birth
• where they were born
• occupation
• home address
• name and occupation of spouse or civil partner 
• your name and address

You will receive a unique reference number after you have registered the death. This is for the Tell us once service where you can report the death to all government departments in one go. 

Cost and certificates

Certificates cost £12.50 each and can be pre-ordered when booking your appointment. 

You will need certificates to finalise private financial affairs such as banks, mortgage providers, shares, investments, private pensions and life insurance. 

We’ll send the green certificate for burial or cremation to your chosen funeral director after your appointment. 

Find out how to make changes to a certificate.