What Is a Death Certificate?
A death certificate is the official document recording that a person has died. In England and Wales, it is issued by the register office after the death has been formally registered. It confirms the person's name, date, place and cause of death.
You need a death certificate before you can do almost anything to deal with someone's estate — including applying for probate, accessing bank accounts, claiming life insurance, or transferring property.
How to Register a Death in England and Wales
- Get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) from the doctor or hospital
- Book an appointment at your local register office (most require appointments)
- Attend in person — a relative, someone present at the death, or the person responsible for the funeral can register
- Death must be registered within 5 days (exceptions apply if the coroner is involved)
- The registrar issues the death certificate (certified copy) for £11 each
💡 Order multiple copies at registration. It is cheaper and faster to order all copies when you register. A £500k estate may need 6–8 copies for probate, banks, HMRC, and pension providers.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost?
| Item | Cost (England & Wales 2026) |
|---|---|
| First certified copy (at registration) | £11 |
| Additional copies (at registration) | £11 each |
| Copies ordered later (online/post) | £11 each |
| Welsh language version | Free (on request) |
Most estates need 4–6 certified copies: one for probate, one per bank, one for pension providers, one for any property conveyancing. Order more than you think you need — ordering later costs the same but takes longer.
Who Can Register a Death?
In England and Wales, the following people can register a death:
- A relative of the deceased
- Someone present at the death
- The occupier of the premises where the death occurred
- The person arranging the funeral (but not the funeral director)
When Is a Coroner Involved?
The coroner must be notified (via the doctor) when:
- The cause of death is unknown
- The death was sudden, violent, or unnatural
- The person had not been seen by a doctor in the 28 days before death
- The death occurred during surgery or before recovery from anaesthetic
A coroner's investigation can delay registration by weeks or months. Probate cannot proceed until the death is registered and a death certificate is issued.
What Happens After You Have the Death Certificate?
Once you have certified copies of the death certificate, the next step is usually to establish whether probate is required. If the deceased left a will, the executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If there was no will, the nearest next of kin applies for a Grant of Letters of Administration.
Clear Legacy can guide you through this process at a fixed fee of £195 — no solicitor appointment required.
Plan Your Estate from £69
Will from £69 · LPA from £89 · Probate from £195. Fixed fees. No solicitor appointment.
Start Your Will →