The information below is to help you with the arrangements for registering a death.

We have included frequently asked questions to help you but please feel free to contact us if you need further help or advice.

Do I need an appointment?

York Register Office runs an appointment system, which means you can be seen at a specific time.

To make an appointment tel:(01904) 654477 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

We also have an office at York Hospital to register deaths that occurred there. To make an appointment at the hospital tel: (01904) 726524.

What if I arrive without an appointment?

You may have a long wait and unfortunately we cannot guarantee to see you on the same day. There is not always a registrar at the hospital.

Who can register?

You can register if you are:

• a relative (including a civil partner) of the person who has died
• not related to the person who has died but you were present at their death
• the person instructing the funeral director
• the occupier of the establishment where the death took place

What does registering a death involve?

When someone dies, you receive a certificate giving the cause of death from the doctor or the hospital. You should register the death within five days at the Register Office which covers the area where the death took place.

If the death has been referred for a post mortem, it cannot be registered until the coroner issues his or her certificate. In these cases the coroner's officer will advise you when to make an appointment to register the death.

When you register the death you will receive a green form to give to the funeral director to allow arrangements to be made for cremation or burial. You will also receive a white form to complete for the Department of Work and Pensions.

You usually need to buy some death certificates for banks, building societies, solicitors, and other purposes. The Registrar can advise you about this.

What do I need?

You will need the following documents

•  the medical certificate which gives the cause of death, unless the coroner has carried out a post mortem
• the birth certificate of the person who has died, if possible
• the medical card of the person who has died, if possible

When you come to register the death let us know

• the date and place of death
• the full name of the person who has died
• their date and place of birth
• their home address
• their last occupation and whether they were retired
• whether the person who has died was married when they died

If it is a married woman or widow who has died, we'll need to know her maiden name and her husband's full name and occupation.

We will ask for the date of birth of any spouse still living.

If it is a married man or widower who has died, we'll need to know his wife's full name and occupation.

If it is a civil partner or surviving civil partner who has died , we'll need to know their partner's full name and occupation

If you need further information or would like advice or help please contact us.