How is the death registered?


Once a death has been reported to the Coroner, the Registrar is unable to register the death until the Coroner’s enquiries are complete. As these enquiries may take time, relatives need to contact the Coroner before any funeral arrangements are made. If the death is deemed to be caused by Natural Causes you will be able to contact the Registrars via County Hall to make an appointment.

The Isle of Wight Register Office
Northwood House,
Ward Avenue,
Cowes,
Isle of Wight.
PO31 8AZ
Tel: 01983 821000 (County Hall)

Who can register the death?

  • A relative of the deceased
  • A person present at the death
  • The occupier of the house or institution where the death took place, if there is no known relative who is able to register
  • The person who is arranging the funeral (i.e. the person who is instructing the funeral director)

Where can I register the death?

The death has to be registered at the Register Office in the district in which it took place. If you do not live in the district where the death occurred, you may be able to give the details to your local office, although the death will not be registered there. Please telephone your nearest Register Office for further advice.

How quickly should the death be registered?

You are expected to register the death within 5 days of the date of death. If the death has been reported to the Coroner you have 2 weeks.

What information will the Registrar require?

  • Date and place of death
  • Full name of the person who has died
  • Maiden name of the woman, if she has been married, and any other names used
  • Date and place of birth
  • Occupations of the person ( and if they were married/widowed/in civil partnership, the full name and occupation of their partner )
  • Usual address
  • Whether the person was getting a pension from public funds
  • If the person was married/widowed/in civil partnership, the registrar will ask for the date of birth of the spouse
  • If available, the National Health Service number or the card itself

What happens if there is to be an Inquest?

A death cannot be registered until after an Inquest has taken place. In the mean time, Interim death certificates will be issued by the Coroner’s Office and can be used to deal with all your legal dealings. After the Inquest, the Coroner will send the relevant report to the Register Office who will contact you directly to find out if you require a certificate.



Page last updated on: 19/04/2006