Deaths
In addition to the information here, the central government website www.direct.gov.uk offers help and support on what to do after a death, funerals and organisations you may need to inform after a bereavement.
Where do I register a death?
A death should normally be registered within 5 days (unless a coroner is investigating the circumstances leading to a death).
The death must be registered at the Register Office for the district where the death occurred.
For deaths in Liverpool, you must register the death at:
Liverpool Register Office
The Cotton Exchange
Old Hall Street
Liverpool L3 9UF
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. For your convenience we operate an appointments system.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment you should call Liverpool Direct, the City of Liverpool call centre, on 0151 233 3004.
The call centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What happens when the death occurs in hospital?
When the death occurs in hospital, the hospital staff will contact the person named as next of kin and issue a Medical Certificate showing the cause of death. The hospital will also advise on how to register the death.
When happens if the death occurs elsewhere?
Expected death
If the death was expected you should contact the doctor who attended the person during their final illness.
If that doctor can certify the cause of death they will give you:
- a Medical Certificate showing the cause of death. The certificate will be in a sealed envelope addressed to the Registrar and will be given to you free of charge.
- a formal notice stating that the doctor has signed the Medical Certificate and advising you how to register the death.
If the death follows illness from HIV or AIDS there may be special rules for handling the body. For further advice on funeral arrangements in such cases please contact the Terence Higgins Trust - Lighthouse. You can telephone their Help Line (open from noon to10pm) on 020 7 242 1010 or their general information line on 020 7 792 1200.
Unexpected death
If you discover a body, or a death is sudden or unexpected, you should contact the police who will help you to find and notify the necessary people, for example:
- the Coroner
- the family doctor
- the deceased's nearest relative
- the deceased's minister of religion
Cemeteries and Crematoria Service
The Cemeteries and Crematoria Service is most conscious of the personal and private grief that surrounds each individual family following a bereavement.
The service aims to provide as much information as possible regarding bereavement arrangements.
You can find out more information on our Cemeteries and Crematoria page