Register a death
Updated - 3 January 2024
Visiting the register office
The Register Office is located in the main reception of the Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY.
A maximum of two people should attend the Civic Centre, we are unable to admit any additional people into the appointment.
If you are able to please bring your own black pen (biro or gel) to sign the registration paperwork. A pen will be supplied if you do not bring one with you.
We are currently only able to accept payment by debit / credit card. We are unable to accept American Express or Electron cards.
A death usually needs to be registered within 5 days. If the coroner is involved this may be extended, the Coroner's office will be able to give you guidance.
How do I register a death?
You can use the GOV.UK register a death tool (external link) to find out exactly what you need to do.
It provides information on
- who can register a death
- the documents and information needed to register a death
- the documents you will receive
Deaths are registered in the district where they took place. If the death occured in Hartlepool you can complete the registration at our office. If the death occured elsewhere in England or Wales you can attend our office to complete a declaration; this will then be sent to the relevant register office for the death to be registered.
To make an appointment at our office complete an appointment request form or call 01429 523337
What information will I be asked to provide?
You will be asked to provide the below information about the deceased;
- place and date of death
- name and surname including maiden name and any names they have been formerly known as
- sex
- place (town / country) and date of birth
- occupation, or usual / previous occupation, and if they had retired
- usual address
- if they were a widow/widower, married or in a civil partnership at the time of their death. If so you will be asked to provide;
- the name of their spouse / partner
- the spouse / partner's occupation, or usual / previous occupation, and if they had retired
You will be asked to provide the below information about yourself;
- name and surname
- usual address
- relationship to the deceased
It is important that the information entered into the register is right as mistakes can be difficult to correct and will incur a fee of up to £90.
If English is not your first language we request that you bring someone along with you to translate - they do not have to be a professional, they can be a friend or family member.
Do I need to bring any documents to the appointment?
To assist with the accuracy of the registration it would be helpful if you could bring supporting identity documentation. Do not worry if you are not able to provide any documents, the registrar will be able to go ahead with the appointment without them.
Please provide document(s) for the deceased showing the name, date of birth, place of birth and address. This could include;
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Utility bill / bank statement
- NHS Medical card
- Marriage / civil partnership certificates
- Birth certificate
- Deed poll / name change documents
It is helpful if you are able to provide a form of identification for yourself i.e. passport, driving licence or utility bill
How much does it cost?
There is no fee to register a death or for the funeral paperwork to be issued.
Death certificates
If the death occured in Hartlepool certificates can be purchased at the time of your appointment. Please note we are currently only able to accept payment by debit / credit card. We are unable to accept American Express or Electron cards. We are not able to take payment by Apple Pay or Google Pay.
If the death occured elsewhere in England or Wales you will be able to order certificate from the relevant register office once the death has been registered.
Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go. The registrar will explain the Tell Us Once service when you attend the appointment. The registrar can either:
- give you a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself online or by phone
- complete the Tell Us Once service with you
If you would like the registrar to complete the Tell Us Once service with you at the appointment you will need to provide information and documents / information from the documents. What you will be asked to provide can be found at www.gov.uk/tell-us-once (external link)
How do I make an appointment?
Registrations are by appointment only. To make an appointment at our office complete an appointment request form or call 01429 523337.
How do I change my appointment?
Please contact our office by telephone - 01429 523337 - to reschedule your appointment
