When someone close to you dies, the emotional impact can feel overwhelming. At the same time, there are important legal and practical steps that need to be taken. The below provides a clear, step-by-step overview of what to do when someone dies in the UK, helping you navigate the process with confidence and compassion.
Step 1: Confirm their death
The first step is to have your loved one’s death medically confirmed:
If the person dies at home and it was expected: Call their GP or NHS 111. A healthcare professional will visit to verify the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), if the cause is clear.
If the person dies in a hospital or care home: Staff will arrange for the death to be confirmed and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
If the death is sudden or unexpected: Call 999. The police and a coroner may become involved to investigate the cause of death. In this case, the death cannot be registered until the coroner completes their investigation.
Step 2: Register their death
A death must be registered within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and within 8 days in Scotland.
Visit the local Register Office in the district where the person died. Find a Register Office: www.gov.uk/register-offices. You must book an appointment in advance.
You’ll need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and, if available, supporting documents such as:
the deceased’s birth certificate
marriage or civil partnership certificate
NHS number or medical card
proof of address.
You will receive:
A death certificate (you can purchase extra copies at this point).
A certificate for burial or cremation (known as the ‘green form’) if the funeral is in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, a Form 14 is issued instead.
Step 3: Inform government and other services
Use the UK government’s Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments at the same time, including:
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Passport Office
DVLA
Local council (for council tax, benefits, and electoral roll).
The registrar will give you a unique reference number to access the service online or by phone.
If you are not offered the Tell Us Once service, you’ll need to contact each government department individually.
The Death Notification Service is a useful free service that allows you to notify a number of banks and financial services of a person's death at the same time.
Step 4: Arrange their funeral
Funerals in the UK can be either religious or non-religious and may be arranged by a funeral director, or you can organise one yourself.
Key decisions include:
burial or cremation
type of service or ceremony
venue
type of coffin
transport arrangements
music, readings or tributes
If your loved one had a funeral plan or left specific instructions in their will, follow their wishes.
Choosing a funeral director
Look for one who is a member of a recognised body such as the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
Step 5: Deal with the estate
A person’s ‘estate’ includes their money, property and possessions. A legal process known as probate is usually required to manage this.
Locate the will, if there is one.
Contact a solicitor or probate specialist for guidance.
Apply for a grant of probate (if there is a will) or letters of administration (if there is no will).
Pay any outstanding debts or taxes.
Distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Step 6: Look after yourself and others
Dealing with loss is never easy. Remember that support is available for you and others who are grieving.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (Free, open daily)Samaritans (for emotional support 24/7)
Phone: 116 123 (Free)
It’s okay to ask for help. Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no ‘right’ way to cope.
Checklist
Confirm the death with a medical professional.
Register the death within the legal time limit.
Use Tell Us Once to notify government agencies.
Arrange the funeral according to your loved one’s wishes.
Handle the estate through probate if required.
Seek support for yourself and loved ones.
For more detailed guidance or personal support, always speak with a solicitor, your local authority, or a bereavement support organisation.