How A Death Is Registered

The Death should be registered at the local office of Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the District where the Death occurred, as soon as possible, within five days of the Death *. If the Death has been referred to the Coroner the procedure is slightly different and we will advise you concerning this.

Who may go and Register a Death

Regulations state that only certain people are permitted to Register a Death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Deaths occurring in Private residents, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, etc, may be registered by the under mentioned:

• A Relative of the Deceased who was present at the Death.
• A Relative of the Deceased in attendance during the last illness.
• A Relative of the Deceased residing in the same local district.
• A person present at the time of Death.
• The occupier, i.e. Matron or Officer in charge of a Nursing Home or Rest Home, provided they were aware of the illness before Death.
• The person causing the disposal of the body i.e. an executor, the solicitor or similar.

The Registrar will contact you to make an appointment to register the death once the Medical Certificate (Cause of Death) has been issued.

The Registrar will give you:

• A Certificate of Registration of Death for Social Security purposes only.
• Information regarding Tell Us Once.

You will be able to purchase for £12.50 per copy a certified Copy of the Death Certificate. This may be needed for any Private Pensions, Banks or Building Society accounts, Insurance Policies, etc.

Penrith Registrar is situated in Penrith Library,
St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Penrith, CA11 7YA.

Kendal Registrar is situated at Kendal County Hall,
Busher Walk, Kendal, LA9 4RQ.

Carlisle Registrar is situated at Lady Gillfords House,
Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle CA1 3AJ.       

Workington Registrar is situated at Ramsay Brow,
Workington, CA14 4AR.

When you go to Register the death, you are required to take the following:

• Proof of your identification, ie Driving License, Passport or Utility Bill
• The Deceased’s NHS number or Medical Card (If available).
• The date and place of Death.
• The Deceased’s last Address.
• The Deceased’s Christian names and Surname (Maiden name if applicable).
• The Deceased’s date and place of Birth.
• The Deceased’s Occupation and the name and occupation of husband (if applicable).

A death which has occurred in Cumberland should be registered at Carlisle, Workington or Whitehaven Registry Office. A death which has occured in Westmorland and Furness should be registered at Penrith, Kendal or Barrow Registry Office. Out of county deaths may be registered by declaration, this method may delay the funeral.