You need to make an appointment to register all births, deaths and stillbirths using the contact details on the top right hand side of the page. The appointments desk in the Leeds Register Office is open at the following times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Thursday -9.30 am to 4.30 pm
For more information about the times the Registrar is available at One Stop Centres throughout the city follow the link on the right hand side of the page marked 'Register Offices in Leeds'
Why do I need to register a death?
You are legally required to register a death. You need to register a death to obtain documents for the funeral director and for dealing with any money or property belonging to the person who died.
Who can register a death?
One of the following people must register the death
- A relative of the deceased.
- A person present at the death.
- A person arranging the funeral (not the undertaker).
- In certain circumstances others such as the administrator or the occupier of the place where the death took place can register.
If you don't know whether you can register the death please contact us
When should the death be registered?
A death should be registered within five days unless the coroner is investigating the death. The registration takes around 30 minutes.
Where should the death be registered?
By law a death has to be registered in the registration district where it happened but you can visit any office in Leeds. To find out where our offices are and when they are open follow the link to Register offices in Leeds.
If you do not live in Leeds you can visit any register office in England and Wales to give details of the registration and these will be passed to the appropriate office. The documents you need will be posted out to you after two or three days.
Please contact us if you need further information.
What information will the registrar need?
You will need to know the following information.
- The date and place of death.
- The full name and surname and if the deceased was a married woman, the surname/family name used before marriage.
- The date and place of birth.
- The occupation. If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the full name and occupation of the spouse or civil partner.
- The usual address.
- If the deceased was married or in a civil partnership, the date of birth of their spouse or civil partner.
- Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds, for example civil service or army pension.
If you have the medical card please bring that along with you.
What documents will I receive?
We will give you a form so you can make the funeral arrangements. If the death was referred to the coroner he may give you this form. We also give you a form for social security. Both these documents are free of charge.
You may need certified copies of the register entry to deal with any money or property belonging to the person who died.
Certificates may be needed for:
- Probate or letters of administration.
- Banks and building society accounts.
- Insurance companies.
- Stocks and shares.
- Solicitors.
The cost of a death certificate is £3.50 when you register or at a fee of £7.00 at a later date.