Who can register a death?
In the event of a death one of the following persons has a legal obligation to register the death:
- a relative of the deceased
- a person present at the death
- a person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)
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In certain circumstances others, such as the administrator of an elderly persons home, can register a death. Please contact the Register Office for further information.
The Registrar who registers the death will issue the following documents:
- a certificate for Burial or Cremation when appropriate
- a certificate of Registration of Death for Social Security Purposes
- certified copies of the entry in the register for which a fee is payable
What information do I need to supply to register a death?
You have to register a death in the registration district where the death occurred. The Registrar will see you in private to ask for details about the deceased. You will need to provide the following information:-
- the date and place of death.
- full name and surname of the deceased.
- date and place of birth.
- maiden surname, if applicable.
- occupation, and usual address.
- if the deceased was married or in a civil partnership the name and occupation of the surviving partner.
- medical certificate showing the cause of death issued by the certifying doctor (if the death has Coroner involvement, the Coroner's officer will advise you).
- it is useful to have the birth certificate, marriage or civil partnership certificate or passport of the deceased with you, but it is not essential.
If the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds, eg: civil service or army pension please inform the registrar.
How long does it take to register a death?
Registering the death will take about 20 minutes. It is important that you check the register very carefully before signing. It is a legal record which becomes more difficult to correct at a later date.
Where do I register a death?
A death will normally be registered in the registration district where it occurred.
- The Cheshire West district covers Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston.
The Register Office
Goldsmith House, Goss Street, Chester, CH1 2BG. Tel: 01244 972668
Opening times: 9.00 to 4.30 Monday - Friday
The Registrar's Office
1st Floor, Ellesmere Port Library, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0LG Tel: 01244 972668
You will need to make an appointment to register so please telephone in advance to arrange a convenient time.
- The Cheshire East District covers Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Congleton
The Register Office
Park Green, Macclesfield, SK11 6TW. Tel: 01625 374040
Opening times: 9.00 - 4.30 Monday to Friday.
An appointment is required, so please telephone in advance to arrange a convenient time.
A Registrar also visits the following locations.
- Stanley House, Bexton Road, Knutsford
- The Library, Sandbach
- The Library, Congleton
- The Library, Handforth
Please telephone 01625 374040 for further information and also to make an appointment.
- The Cheshire Central District covers Crewe, Northwich and Winsford.
The Register Office
Delamere House, Chester Street, Crewe. Tel: 01270 375106
Opening Times: 9.00 - 4.30 Monday to Friday.
An appointment is required, so please telephone in advance to arrange a convenient time.
A Registrar also visits the following locations.
- The Registrar's Office, County Offices, Watling Street, Northwich
- The Registrar's Office, Winsford Library
Please telephone 01270 375106 for further information and also to make an appointment.
What if a death has happened as a result of unnatural causes?
The registration service has the duty to refer to the coroner all deaths which appear to have occurred from unnatural causes, violence, accident or industrial disease. The coroner may investigate and decide to order a post mortem, or in a few cases, the coroner may decide to hold an inquest. The coroner also holds inquests upon treasure trove.
Civil Funerals
Civil Funerals are offered by Cheshire Registration Service as a non religious alternative. A Civil Funeral Ceremony is a ceremony that reflects the wishes of the family and is focused on celebrating the life of the deceased. It is both a dignified tribute and a highly personal memoir, created by a professional Celebrant in consultation with the family or executor.
View further information on our dedicated Civil Funeral page
Where can I obtain further information?
Registering a Death | Burials and Cremation | Civil Funeral | Coroners Reports
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