Register Death at Lichfield Registry Office
Complete guide to legal requirements, documents needed, and the registration process. Book your appointment today.
When someone dies in England, the death must be registered by law within 5 days (8 days if a Sunday or bank holiday falls within that period). At Lichfield Registry Office, we handle death registrations for deaths that occur in our designated area. This guide covers all legal requirements, necessary documents, and the step-by-step process for registering a death.
Important: Death registration cannot be delayed beyond the legal timeframe. Contact us immediately on 0300 111 8001 to book your appointment.
Legal Requirements for Death Registration
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, death registration is a legal obligation that must be completed within specific timeframes. Here are the key legal requirements:
Time Limit
Registration must occur within 5 days of death (8 days if Sunday/bank holiday falls within the period)
Qualified Informant
Only specific people can register a death, including relatives, someone present at death, or the person arranging the funeral
Registration District
Death must be registered in the district where it occurred, not where the deceased lived
Medical Certificate
A medical certificate of cause of death from a doctor or coroner must be presented
Who Can Register a Death
The following people are qualified informants who can legally register a death:
- Relative of the deceased who was present at the death
- Relative of the deceased present during the final illness
- Any relative of the deceased
- Any person present at the death
- The occupier of the house where death occurred
- Person causing the disposal of the body (funeral director, if no relatives)
- Person in charge of the institution where death occurred
Need help determining if you can register the death?
Call for GuidanceRequired Documents and Information
To register a death, you must bring specific documents and be prepared to provide detailed information about the deceased. Having all documents ready ensures a smooth registration process.
Essential Documents to Bring
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
This is the pink form (Form 61) issued by the doctor or coroner. You cannot register the death without this document.
- Medical certificate of cause of death (pink form)
- Your identification (photo ID such as driving licence or passport)
- Birth certificate of the deceased (if available)
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
- NHS medical card (if available)
- Passport of the deceased (if available)
Information You'll Need to Provide
The registrar will ask for the following information about the deceased:
- Full name (including any previous names)
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Last permanent address
- Occupation (or last occupation if retired)
- Marital status and spouse's details (if applicable)
- Whether they were receiving a pension or benefits
- Details of surviving relatives
Death Registration Process
The death registration process at Lichfield Registry Office follows a structured procedure designed to ensure all legal requirements are met. Here's what to expect during your scheduled appointment:
Document Verification
The registrar checks your medical certificate and identification documents
Information Recording
Details about the deceased are recorded in the official death register
Certificate Issuance
You receive a free death certificate and can order additional copies if needed
What Happens During the Appointment
Your appointment typically lasts 20-30 minutes. The registrar will:
- Review all documents and verify your identity as a qualified informant
- Ask questions about the deceased to complete the death register entry
- Create the official death certificate
- Provide you with certificates and any additional copies you require
- Explain next steps for funeral arrangements if needed
Appointment Duration: Allow approximately 30 minutes for the death registration process. Additional time may be needed if ordering multiple death certificates.
Death Certificate Costs
Death registration is free, but additional death certificates incur charges. Current fees for 2025 are:
First Certificate
FREE
Included with registration
Additional Copies
£12.50
Standard certificates
You can order additional death certificates during your registration appointment or afterwards. Many families need multiple copies for:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Pension providers
- Solicitors handling the estate
- Property transfers
- Government benefits departments
Order Certificates Online
After registration, you can order additional death certificates through the official portal:
Order Certificates OnlineOfficial Staffordshire County Council portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a death online?
No, death registration must be done in person at the registry office. However, you can book your appointment online for convenience.
What if I miss the 5-day deadline?
Contact us immediately on 0300 111 8001. Late registration may incur penalties, but we'll help you complete the process as quickly as possible.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are required for all death registrations. You can book by calling 0300 111 8001 or through our online booking system.
What if the death occurred in a different district?
Deaths must be registered in the district where they occurred. If the death happened outside our area, you'll need to register at the appropriate registry office for that location.