Registering a death is a simple process that usually takes approximately 20 minutes. You will need to have made an appointment to speak by telephone to a Registrar.
The telephone number to call is 0300 123 4181.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by the GP or hospital doctor who attended the deceased) will have been emailed direct to Cornwall Council’s Registration Department.
Please speak to us before making an appointment if the death has been referred to the Coroner for any reason – you may not be able to make an appointment until the Coroner has issued certain paperwork to the Registrar.
The Registrar will require the following information:
The date and place of death.
The full name of the deceased (and maiden name where appropriate).
The date and place of birth of the deceased.
The deceased's occupation and the full names and occupation of her husband if she was a married woman or a widow or of her Civil Partner or surviving Civil Partner.
The deceased's usual address.
Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension from public funds.
If the deceased was married, or a Civil Partner, the date of birth of the spouse or surviving Civil Partner.
The deceased's occupation and the full names and occupation of his wife if he was a married man or widower or of his Civil Partner or surviving Civil Partner.
In return for this information, the Registrar will provide a link to order certified copies of the entry in the Register of Deaths (commonly known as Death Certificates). Please note that there is a charge of £11 each for these certificates.
Tell Us Once
You will be offered a service called “Tell Us Once”.
We strongly recommend that you take advantage of this service. It is one of the few examples of joined-up government that actually seems to work and will save you a lot of time and effort contacting individual Government agencies including HMRC, the Pension Service, the Benefits Agency and Cornwall Council. If the deceased has a Passport, Driving Licence or Blue Badge, these can also be cancelled at the same time.
The key to unlocking this service is the deceased’s National Insurance Number.
If you have any questions about the process do not be afraid to contact us and we will guide you through the different stages including making the appointment.