Legally recording all the deaths which occur in Suffolk,
by registering the death and issuing a certificate.
Where should I go to register a death?
A death has to be registered at the register office in the
district where the death occurred. For example, a death at Ipswich
Hospital should be registered at Ipswich Register Office, a death
at Hartismere Hospital in Eye should be registered at the
Register Office at Stowmarket.
Our
Suffolk Register Offices pages have information including their
opening times and telephone numbers.
If it is difficult for you to attend the correct office, you may
register the death by 'declaration' at any register office in
England and Wales. In these cases the certificates and forms
usually given in person by the Registrar will be sent to you by
post.
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When should I register the death?
In most cases a death should be registered within 5 days. All
Suffolk Register Offices operate an appointment system to avoid
relatives being kept waiting.
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Who can register the death?
It is preferred that a relative of the deceased should register
the death but if there are no relatives then it is possible for
other people to register. This may be someone who was present at
the death or alternatively a senior member of the establishment in
which the death occurred (such as a nursing home) or the person who
is arranging the funeral.
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What will I need to take to the register office?
You will need to take the medical certificate which is issued by
the doctor. This could either be from the general practitioner or a
hospital doctor. It may also be useful if you take the deceased's
birth and marriage certificates with you. If you are in possession
of the deceased's medical card this should also be handed in to the
Registrar. The Registrar will need the following information:
- the date and place of death;
- the full name of the deceased and maiden name where
appropriate;
- the date and place of birth of the deceased;
- the deceased's usual address;
- whether or not the deceased was in receipt of a pension from
public funds;
- if married, the date of birth of their spouse;
- the National Health Service number of the deceased (this will
be shown on the medical card); and
- the deceased's occupation and the full names and occupation of
her husband if she was a married woman or a widow.
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How long will the registration take?
Please allow about 30 minutes. In some situations it may be
necessary for the Registrar to refer the death to the Coroner. If
this happens you should expect a delay and it is possible that you
may need to return on a later occasion.
The
role of the Coroner page has more information about the
involvement of the Coroner including information about inquests and
registration following an inquest.
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What paperwork will be issued following Registration?
A certificate for Burial or Cremation (also known as the
Green Form)
This form is for you to take to the funeral director so that the
funeral can take place. In some circumstances this form will be
issued direct from the Coroner. There is no charge for the issue of
this form.
A certificate of Registration of Death (also known as Form
BD8/344)
This form is for social security purposes. Please refer to the
notes shown on the back of this form. You will need to complete
this form and return it to your local social security
office. There is no charge for the issue of this form.
Standard Death Certificate
A death certificate is a certified copy of the entry in the
death register. Each copy is charged at £3.50. These will be
required for banks, building societies, solicitors, insurance
companies and other financial institutions.
Information leaflets
The Registrar will also offer you some useful leaflets which may
assist you at this time. The registration staff are there to help
you - please ask them for any advice and guidance which you
require.
We also have information on this site about
Arranging
a funeral.
Who to tell when someone has died has a useful list of the
people and organisations you may need to contact.
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How do I register a stillbirth?
Please contact your local
Suffolk Register Office in the first instance to make
preliminary arrangements.
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