How to Register a Death in Hull or East Riding

When someone close to you dies, there are many things that need to be dealt with at a very difficult time.

One of the first official steps is registering the death. We understand that this can feel daunting, particularly if you have never had to arrange a funeral before.

At Jones Family Funeral Directors, we are here to support you throughout the process and can help explain what needs to happen next.

This guide explains how to register a death in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Where should a death be registered?

A death should normally be registered in the registration district where the death occurred.

This means the place where someone died is more important than where they lived.

For example:

• If someone lived in Beverley but died in Hull, the death would normally be registered in Hull.

• If someone lived in Hull but died in Beverley, the death would normally be registered in the East Riding.

• If someone died in a hospital or care home, the registration district will generally depend on where that hospital or care home is located.

The registration process can be different if the death has been referred to the Coroner.

Registering a death in Hull

If the death occurred within the Hull registration district, the death should be registered through Hull City Council's Registration Service.

Before the death can normally be registered, the Medical Examiner process must be completed and the necessary medical information sent to the registrar.

If you are unsure about anything, do not worry. The registrar will guide you through the information they need.

Registering a death in East Riding

If the death occurred within the East Riding of Yorkshire, it should normally be registered through East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Registration Service.

The doctor who certifies the death sends the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to the Medical Examiner Service. The Medical Examiner reviews the information and then sends the necessary documentation to the registration service.

East Riding Council states that the death must normally be registered within five days of the registration service receiving the medical certificate from the Medical Examiner.

If a Coroner is involved, this five-day period does not apply.

Who can register a death?

In most circumstances, a close relative will register the death.

Depending on the circumstances, the person registering the death may include:

• A husband, wife or civil partner

• A close relative

• Someone who was present when the person died

• Someone who lived in the property where the person died

• The person making the funeral arrangements

• The deceased person's personal representative

• A partner in an enduring relationship

East Riding Council provides further information about who can register a death depending on where and how the death occurred.

If you are unsure whether you can register the death, the registrar can advise you.

What information will the registrar need?

It is helpful to have as much information about the person who has died as possible.

The registrar will normally ask for:

• Full name and surname

• Any previous names

• Date and place of birth

• Date and place of death

• Usual home address

• Occupation

• Whether they were retired

• Maiden name, where applicable

• Full name of their husband, wife or civil partner

• Date of birth of their husband, wife or civil partner

• Occupation of their husband, wife or civil partner

Registrars recommends taking identification and proof of address for yourself and, where available, documents relating to the person who has died, such as their birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate and proof of address.

Don't worry if you don't have everything

If you cannot find a particular document, do not panic.

Take what information and documentation you have and tell the registrar if you are unsure about anything.

It is much better to ask than to guess.

How long does registration take?

In East Riding, the council states that a death registration appointment usually takes around 45 minutes.

The time required in Hull can vary depending on the circumstances and the information that needs to be recorded.

The registrar will go through the information with you and give you an opportunity to check the details before the registration is completed.

Check everything carefully

The information entered into the register is an important legal record.

Make sure you check names, dates, places and other important details carefully before signing the registration.

If something is incorrect, tell the registrar before the registration is completed.

What happens after the death is registered?

Once the death has been registered, the registrar will provide the documentation needed to allow the funeral arrangements to proceed.

In appropriate circumstances, the burial or cremation paperwork can be sent directly to the funeral director.

What is the green form?

The green form is the paperwork issued following registration which is normally needed by the funeral director to arrange the burial or cremation.

If a Coroner is involved, different documentation may be issued.

East Riding Council confirms that the green form should be taken to the funeral director so that the funeral can be arranged.

What if the Coroner is involved?

Sometimes a death has to be referred to the Coroner.

This may happen when a death is unexpected, the cause of death is uncertain, or the circumstances require further investigation.

If the Coroner is involved, the normal registration process may be different and may take longer.

You will be given information about what happens next.

You do not need to worry about the normal five-day registration period while the Coroner is investigating the death. East Riding Council confirms that the five-day period does not apply when the Coroner is involved.

At Jones Family Funeral Directors, we can liaise with the relevant authorities and help you understand how the Coroner's process may affect the funeral arrangements.

How many death certificates should I buy?

You may need certified copies of the death certificate when dealing with banks, insurance companies, pension providers and other organisations.

You can ask the registrar how many copies you may need.

Certified copies of a death registration currently cost £12.50 each.

Tell Us Once

After registering the death, you may be able to use the government's Tell Us Once service.

This allows you to report a death to several government departments and local council services at the same time.

The registrar will explain how the service works and provide the information you need to use it.

You will still need to contact some organisations yourself, such as banks, insurance companies and private pension providers.

Do I need to register the death before contacting Jones Family Funeral Directors?

No.

You can contact us as soon as someone has died or before for any advice.

You do not need to wait until the death has been registered before speaking to us.

We can talk you through what happens next, answer your questions and begin making arrangements for the funeral while the registration process is taking place.

If the death has been referred to the Coroner, we can explain what this may mean for the funeral arrangements.

Registering a death can feel overwhelming

At Jones Family Funeral Directors, we provide caring, personal support to families throughout Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire and the UK.

We will explain each stage clearly, answer your questions and help make the funeral arrangements as straightforward as possible.

Need help after a death?

If someone close to you has died and you are unsure what to do next, please contact Jones Family Funeral Directors.

We are here to help you and your family.

Jones Family Funeral Directors
Caring for families throughout Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Contact us today