Losing a loved one is a very diffcult and emotional time. The information on this page is to be used as a guide to what you should do during this time.

Registration of Death
Every individual death in England and Wales must be registered with the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the area where the death occurred.

Death in Hospital
The Medical Practitioner who attended the person during their illness is required to send a Certificate to the Registrar stating the cause of death. Often in Hospitals you collect the Certificate from the Bereavement Office located within the Hospital. You then take the Certificate to the Registrar.

Death at Home
When a person dies at home the person under a duty to register the death is:
(1) Nearest relative of the deceased being present at the death or in attendance during their illness;
(2) Any other relative of the deceased residing or being in the sub district where the death occurred.
(3) A person present at the death or the occupier of the house if they knew of the happening event.

Duty to register death
Duty to register a death is within 5 days but if notice is given to the Registrar with a Doctor's Certificate when 14 days.

What information do I need to tell the Registrar?
First ring the Registrar to make an appointment. You also need to supply the following:
Date and place of death, name, surname, sex, date of birth, occupation, usual address, maiden name (if applicable), name and occupation of deceased spouse (if applicable), National Insurance Number, whether the person is to be cremated or buried (often good idea to check the Will of the deceased to see if any wish has been given)

Death Certificate
The Registrar will issue you with a Certificate of Death or indeed issue you with more than one copy should you so desire. We recommend at least five copies of the Death Certificate should be obtained. The Registrar will charge a small fee for the Death Certificates.

Other documents issued by the Registrar
The Registrar will also issue a white form to be completed with the deceased's personal details and posted in the pre-paid envelope. This white form deals with the state benefits such as pensions. Also a Certificate for the disposal of the person's body will be issued (the green form). This will need to be passed to the Undertaker. It is their authority that they can deal with the person's body.

What are the contact details of the Registrar who registers deaths in Bromley?
Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3UH.
Tel Number: 020 8313 4666