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Bereavement - for help and advice with the arrangements for dealing with a death of a loved one.
The death should be registered in the district where it took place.
If this is very inconvenient, the death may be registered by declaration, although this may involve a delay in the receipt of documents.
An appointment system is in place at Gateshead Register Office. The telephone number is 0191 4332207 or 0191 4332208 and the email address is registeroffice@gateshead.gov.uk|. If you require an urgent appointment it is advisable to contact the office by telephone.
The death in usual circumstances should be registered within 5 days.
There is no charge for registration and the fee for a death certificate at the time of registration is £3.50 per copy.
Who May Register The Death?
The following people are able to register the death in the order as shown:
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A relative present at the death
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A relative present during the last illness
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A relative living in the registration district
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A person present at the death
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The occupier of the premises if aware of the death happening
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The person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker)
What Will I Need to Take With Me to Register the Death?
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The medical certificate of cause of death issued by the doctor or the coroner.
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The medical card if available
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The date and place of birth of the deceased
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Any pension details
What Will I Obtain From the Registrar?
You will receive a form to take to the undertaker (if the coroner is involved other arrangements will be made). You will also receive a form for the DSS. Both of these are free.
Further information on registering a death in England and Wales, removing a body out of England or Wales and what to do if the death occurred abroad can be found at the website of The General Register Office.