Who Can Register a Death in England and Wales

Understanding Qualified Informants

In England and Wales, only certain people are legally allowed to register a death. These individuals are known as "qualified informants" and there's a clear order of priority the registrar must follow.

October 2025 Update:

The General Register Office has clarified guidance on who can register deaths when families are estranged or complicated. Registrars now have more flexibility in accepting qualified informants.

Important: You cannot simply nominate anyone to register a death on your behalf. The person must be a qualified informant as defined by law.

Qualified Informants – Order of Priority

The law specifies who can register a death in the following order:

1. A Relative Present at Death

Any relative who was present at the death has first priority. This includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, and other blood relatives or relatives by marriage.

2. A Relative in Attendance During Last Illness

A relative who was present during the final illness, even if not at the exact moment of death.

3. A Relative Living in the Same Registration District

Any relative who lives in the same registration district where the death occurred.

4. A Person Present at Death

Anyone who was present when the death occurred, whether related or not. This could be a friend, carer, or neighbour.

5. The Occupier of the Premises

The person in charge of the building where death occurred (e.g., care home manager, hospital administrator, homeowner).

6. The Person Making Funeral Arrangements

The person arranging the funeral, typically the executor or next of kin, even if not present at death.

Practical Tip: Registrars prefer someone from categories 1-3, but if no one is available, they will accept informants from later categories. Call ahead to discuss your situation.

What "Relative" Means

For death registration purposes, a relative includes:

Spouse or civil partner
Children (including adult children, stepchildren, and adopted children)
Parents and step-parents
Siblings (including half-siblings and step-siblings)
Grandparents and grandchildren
Aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews
In-laws (parents-in-law, siblings-in-law, etc.)
Former spouses if still involved in the person's life

Note: Cohabiting partners who are not married or in a civil partnership are not automatically considered "relatives" for registration purposes, though they may qualify under other categories.

Special Circumstances

No Relatives Available

If the deceased has no relatives, or none can be contacted within the 5-day deadline:

A close friend present at death can register
The executor named in the will can register
The person arranging the funeral can register
For hospital deaths, the hospital administrator may register
For care home deaths, the care home manager may register

Estranged Families

When families are estranged or there are disputes about who should register:

The registrar will accept the first qualified informant who comes forward with the required documents. They cannot refuse to register based on family disputes.

If you're concerned about who might register, try to be the first to make contact with the registrar's office.

Cohabiting Partners

If you were living with someone who wasn't your spouse or civil partner:

You may qualify as "person present at death" if you were there
You may qualify as "occupier of premises" if it was your home
You can register as "person arranging funeral"
Consider expediting marriage if the person is still alive but terminally ill

Deaths Abroad

For deaths that occurred outside the UK:

Registration follows the laws of the country where death occurred
You can later register with the British Consulate
The nearest relative typically has priority for consular registration

What You'll Need to Prove

The registrar may ask you to prove you're a qualified informant by providing:

Your own photo ID (passport or driving licence)
Evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
Proof of your address if claiming to live in the same district
Documentation of your role (executor documents, funeral director confirmation)

Top Tip: Call the registrar's office before your appointment to confirm exactly what they'll need to see. Requirements can vary slightly between offices.

Can Multiple People Register Together?

Technically, only one person needs to register the death, but:

Multiple qualified informants can attend the appointment together
This can be helpful if sharing the emotional burden
Both can sign the register if they wish
Useful when information is split between family members

Important: Let the registrar know in advance if multiple people will attend, as some offices have small appointment rooms.

If You're Not a Qualified Informant

If you want to help but don't qualify to register the death yourself:

Accompany the Informant

You can attend the appointment with the qualified informant to provide support and help answer questions.

Gather Information

Help collect the required documents and information that the informant will need.

Make Arrangements

Book the appointment, liaise with the funeral director, and handle other practical tasks.

Hospital and Care Home Deaths

When someone dies in institutional care, special rules may apply:

Hospital Deaths

The hospital bereavement office will contact the next of kin. A relative should still register if possible, but hospital administrators can register if no one else is available within the deadline.

Care Home Deaths

The care home manager may register, but they'll usually contact family first. If you want to register yourself, make this clear to the care home immediately.

Hospice Deaths

Similar to hospitals, the hospice will notify family, and relatives have priority for registration.

Common Questions About Who Can Register

Can an adult child register if parents are alive?

Yes, adult children are qualified informants regardless of whether parents are still living.

Can a solicitor or executor register?

Yes, but only if they're also arranging the funeral. Being named as executor alone isn't sufficient unless they're also in another qualified category.

What if I'm the only person who knows the details?

If you have necessary information but aren't a qualified informant, share it with someone who is, or attend the appointment with them.

Can I register if I'm under 18?

Generally, no. The registrar will usually ask someone over 18 to register, though exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances.

What to Do Next

Identify who is the most appropriate qualified informant
Ensure they have (or can obtain) necessary identity documents
Gather the deceased's documents and information
Contact the registrar to book an appointment
Explain your relationship if it's not straightforward
Ask about bringing additional people for support

Regional Variations

Scotland

Different rules apply. See our guide on "How to Register a Death in Scotland" for Scottish requirements.

Northern Ireland

Similar but not identical rules. See our guide on "How to Register a Death in Northern Ireland" for specific guidance.

Need Help?

If you're unsure whether you qualify to register a death, or if your situation is complicated:

• Call the registrar's office directly – they're helpful and used to complex situations
• Explain your relationship and circumstances honestly
• Ask specifically what documents they'll need from you
• Consider whether another qualified informant might be more appropriate

Who Can Register a Death