Registering DeathWhen a death occurs, it is a difficult time for everyone. Staff at Southwark's register office are here to help you and make the process of registering the death as simple and easy as possible.
You can  obtain a copy of a death certificate online.
Where and when must I register the death?
If someone dies in Southwark the death must be registered with us within five days unless a coroner is involved. You need to make an appointment with us to register a death.
If you decide to register at any other register office in England or Wales, you need to make what is called a "declaration". In this case you need to produce a medical certificate indicating the cause of death. The death certificate will be issued by post and this could cause you delay in making the funeral arrangements. Remember, if you make your declaration by post you will have to include the fees for the certificates.
Who can register a death?
This can be done by
- A relative of the deceased
- Any adult who was present at the death
- The person who instructs the undertaker about the funeral
Information we need at the time of registration
The information you provide lets us produce the death certificate, compile statistics of deaths in Southwark and forward information, such as pensions, to other agencies.
You must provide the following
- Medical certificate of death issued by a doctor, unless a coroner is involved
- When and where the death happened
- The full name and usual address of the deceased person
- The person's maiden name in the case of a married woman
- The deceased person's date and place of birth
- The deceased person's occupation
- If the deceased person was a married woman or a widow, her husband's name and occupation
- Whether the person had a pension or allowance from government funds, for example a disability or war pension
- If the deceased person was married, the date of birth of the surviving widower or widow
- The deceased's medical card should be handed to the registrar
Do I have to pay for this service?
There is no charge for registering a death. Free certificates will be given to you for use by the undertaker and for the Department of Social Security. You may purchase a death certificate for a small fee at the time of registration. Please note that the fee for copies of a certificate at a later date may vary.
Contact us
Southwark register office
Tel: 020 7525 7651
Fax: 020 7525 7652
registrars@southwark.gov.uk
34 Peckham Road
London SE5 8QA
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm |