You're legally required to register the death in person within five days of the medical certificate being completed.
If the death has been referred to the coroner, the process is different.
Where to register a death
If the person passed away in Portsmouth, you should register the death at Portsmouth register office.
If the death occurred in Portsmouth but you cannot come to Portsmouth register office, you can give the information to another register office in England or Wales. They will send the information to us so we can register the death and issue the relevant documents.
This process takes longer and may delay funeral arrangements.
Who can register a death
You can register a death if you’re:
- a relative
- someone who was with the person when they died
- someone arranging the funeral, but not a funeral director
In some situations, someone else may be able to register the death. Contact us if you’re not sure.
Book an appointment
To register a death, contact the register office at registrars@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9282 9041 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm).
Appointments are in person. There's no charge to register a death.
What you need for your appointment
Find out what information and documents you need to bring to the appointment.
What happens after you register a death
After registration, we'll email your funeral director a certificate for burial or cremation, often called the green form. This is needed before the funeral can take place.
If the death has been reported to the coroner, you won’t need a green form.
Death certificates
You can buy death certificates at your registration appointment, these are £12.50 each.
You may need copies when informing organisations such as banks and building societies, insurance companies, or solicitors.
Registering a stillborn baby
Find out how to register a stillbirth.
Religious burial
If you are arranging a funeral to comply with a specific religious burial requirement, phone 023 9282 2251.
More information
Read more about registering a death on GOV.UK.
To apply for financial support towards funeral costs if you are on a low income, contact the Department of Work & Pensions.
Contact us
You can contact us:
- email registrars@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or phone 023 9282 9041 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm)
- for emergencies on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, phone 023 9282 2251
Address: Milldam House, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3AF.