Death - registering

By law, a death must be registered within 5 days of its occurrence. However, this period can be extended under certain circumstances.

Registration services we provide

We register deaths that occur in the Bracknell Forest district.

We can also take a declaration of the particulars required if the death has occurred elsewhere. However, if you opt for a declaration, there will be a slight delay in receiving the certificates and paperwork as these will be posted from the receiving office.

In certain circumstances, a death will have to be referred to a Coroner which may delay the registration.

Who can register a death?

One of the following people may register a death (in order of preference):

  • A relative of the deceased
  • A person present at the death
  • The occupier of the house or residential home where the death occurred (if there is no known relative who is able to register)
  • The person who is arranging the funeral

What do I need?

  • The medical certificate of cause of death from the doctor, if a coroner is not involved
  • The date and place of death
  • The full name of the deceased (and maiden surname if appropriate)
  • The date and place of birth of the deceased (a birth certificate would be helpful)
  • The deceased’s occupation, and the full name and occupation of their spouse
  • The deceased’s usual home address
  • Whether the deceased was in receipt of a pension from public funds
  • The date of birth of the deceased’s spouse, if alive
  • The NHS medical card number for the deceased. However, please do not delay registration if this is not available

The Registrar will ask you some questions to obtain the above information, and then will print out a copy of the entry for you to check. Once the page is signed the Registrar will issue the necessary paperwork.

What happens next?

You will receive:

  • A green form (Form 9), which is to be given to the funeral director
  • A white form (Form 344) which should be sent or taken to the DSS together with any state pension or benefit books, which will stop any payments
  • Certified copies of the register entry (£4.00 each, or £7.00 each after the registration. The fee increases to £10.00 once the register becomes full.)
  • Booklets and information leaflets where appropriate.

Following the registration, the registrar can assist you with notification to various local Government departments including benefits, council tax, electoral services etc. If you have any council literature, equipment or cards you would like to return, please bring them with you.

Book an appointment

An appointment is required to register a death. Please contact the Register Office to make an appointment. If you require urgent funeral papers during a weekend or Bank Holiday, please call Forestcare on 01344 786500.

If you will require any special assistance at your appointment, please tell us at the time of booking the appointment

Opening times

The Register Office is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

How to find us

Our appointments are held at Easthampstead House, unless otherwise stated upon booking.

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