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Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. The administrative steps that follow can feel overwhelming — particularly if you are unsure where to begin. This guide covers the two key documents you will need: the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and the official death certificate.
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At a glance
What it covers
The MCCD and death certificate — what they are, who issues them, and how to register a death in England and Wales.
Who handles it
The attending doctor or GP issues the MCCD; a Register Office issues the death certificate. The coroner steps in for sudden or unexplained deaths.
Typical timeline
The death should be registered within 5 days of receiving the MCCD; registration takes place at the local Register Office, usually by appointment.
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What is the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)?
The MCCD is a formal document issued by a doctor confirming the cause of death. It is required before you can register the death with the Registrar of Births, Marriages, and Deaths.
The MCCD must be completed by a doctor who attended the deceased during their final illness or within the last 14 days of life — or, in some cases, by the deceased's GP. In hospital deaths, the Bereavement Office will inform you when the MCCD is ready for collection.
If the death is referred to a coroner — for example because it was sudden, unexplained, occurred during surgery, or in suspicious circumstances — the coroner will complete their investigation before releasing the MCCD. The GOV.UK guidance on the MCCD explains this process in full.
Registering the Death
Once the MCCD has been issued, you can register the death. In England and Wales, a death must be registered within 5 days (unless the coroner is involved).
Who can register a death?
Only certain individuals are permitted to register a death:
- A relative of the deceased who was present at the time of death.
- A relative who attended to the deceased during their last illness.
- A relative residing in the same district as the deceased.
- A person present at the time of death.
- The person handling the funeral arrangements (e.g. executor of the will or a solicitor).
Where to Register
The death should ideally be registered at the Register Office in the district where the death occurred. You can find your local office through GOV.UK's Register Office finder.
Each certified copy of the death certificate costs around £11 (prices vary slightly by region). You can request additional copies at the time of registration — having several is useful when dealing with banks, insurers, and probate. For a full checklist of everyone you will need to inform, see our guide to who to notify when someone dies.
Documents to Bring
You will need to take the following to your registration appointment:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD).
- The deceased's birth certificate (if available).
- Any forms provided by the coroner, if applicable.
- Payment to cover the cost of certified copies.
You will also need to provide the following information about the deceased:
- Date and place of death.
- Last known address.
- Full name (and maiden name, if applicable).
- Date and place of birth.
- Occupation, and if applicable, their spouse's name and occupation.
- Any pensions or allowances received from public funds.
- Marital status.
The Tell Us Once Service
Most Register Offices offer the Tell Us Once service, which notifies multiple government departments — including HMRC, the DVLA, and the DWP — of the death in a single step. It is optional, but widely used and straightforward. You can learn more about it in our guide to the Tell Us Once service.
For questions about the process, you can also contact your local Bereavement Office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a doctor cannot issue the MCCD?
If the death was sudden, unexplained, or occurred under unusual circumstances, it is referred to the coroner. The coroner will investigate and, once satisfied, release their own documentation to allow registration to proceed. This can take additional time — the Register Office or Bereavement Office will guide you.
How many death certificates do I need?
Most families request 4–6 certified copies. You will typically need one for each institution handling the estate — banks, pension providers, insurers, and any property or investment accounts. Additional copies can be ordered later, but this takes longer to process.
Can I register a death in a different district?
Yes, through a process called "registration by declaration" — you can attend any Register Office, which then forwards the details to the office for the district where the death occurred. The death certificate is issued from that district.
What is the difference between the MCCD and the death certificate?
The MCCD is the doctor's medical document confirming cause of death — it enables registration. The death certificate is the official legal record issued by the Register Office after registration. The death certificate is what banks, solicitors, and insurers require.
