Registering a Death

A death must be registered within five days. This period can be extended in exceptional circumstances and if the coroner is involved. The registration must take place in the district where the death happened. This can be at any of the registration offices in Cheshire East.

We have an appointment system - you will need to call the Registration Service 01270 375210 (Crewe) or 01625 374050 (Macclesfield) to make an appointment at your most convenient register office in Cheshire East.

If it is difficult to get to the appropriate registration office, you may visit your local office and declare the necessary information. Please note that the registration by declaration may result in a delay in the issue of the document needed for the funeral arrangements. For further advice please telephone the Registration Service.

If the death occurred at Leighton Hospital but you live in the Cheshire West and Chester area, there are appointments available at Northwich and Winsford to enable you to register the death. Please telephone 01270 375210 for an appointment.

A death can only be registered once you have the Medical Cause of Death Certificate from the doctor, or in the case of a death reported to the coroner, confirmation from the coroner's office that the appropriate certificates have been issued by his office.

If there is an inquest, or the death has to be referred to the Coroner or the Coroner's officer will advise you of how the case is progressing.

For further information on Bereavement Services, please visit Cheshire East Bereavement Services .
If you require information on deaths that happen abroad, please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for further information.

Who can register the death?

• a relative of the deceased
• a person who was present at the death
• the person who is arranging the funeral
• the occupier of the establishment where the death took place.

What information will the registrar need?

About the deceased:

• the date and place of death
• their full name and any other names they are known by or have been known by (the maiden name of a woman who has been married)
• their date and place of birth
• their occupation (if married, widowed or a civil partner, the full name and occupation of their spouse or civil partner)
• their usual address
• date of birth of surviving spouse or civil partner
• whether they were in receipt of any public sector pension, e.g. civil service, teacher, armed forces (reference number if known).
• their NHS number or medical card, if available

About the person registering:

• your relationship to the deceased
• your full name
• your usual address
• All information is given to the best of your knowledge

How long will the appointment last?

The meeting with the Registrar will take approximately 30 minutes.

What certificates are issued?

• A certificate for burial or cremation, known as the green form, which the funeral director will need.
• A certificate for the Benefits Agency. You will need to complete this and send it to off to cancel the deceased's state pension and any other state allowances.
• Death certificates. You may need certified copies of the death entry for other purposes (dealing with the will, probate, bank accounts, insurance and so on. There is a small charge for these certificates.

After the information has been entered into the death register, the registrar will issue the necessary forms and certificates.