Registering a death

The registration process explained

When someone passes, the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is first issued by a doctor and sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office. This office will contact the next of kin to discuss the circumstances and approve the cause of death before sending the MCCD electronically to the Registrar’s Office.

Usually, you must register the death within five days unless the Coroner is involved. We can advise which Registrar’s Office you should attend and help you arrange an appointment for registering the death.

What you need to know before registering

Only certain people, typically a close relative or someone present at the death, can register it. When attending the Registrar’s Office, you will need to bring identification and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

The Registrar will ask questions about the deceased’s personal details, including their full name, date of birth, occupation and marital status. We can advise on who else should be informed once the death is registered. You can register a death with Gateshead Council via their website.

• Address: Gateshead Council Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH
• Email: registeroffice@gateshead.gov.uk
• Phone: 0191 433 3000