Register a death

Find out what you need to do to register a death in Essex.

Overview

Rules surrounding death registration changed on 9th September 2024.

All deaths will be reviewed by a Medical Examiner. 

The Medical Examiner Office will contact you to advise that you can book an appointment to register the death

You must register the death within 5 days of contact with the Medical Examiner's Office.

If the death occurred before 9th September and the doctor has confirmed they have sent the signed MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death) to Essex Registration Service before 9th September 2024 please continue to book online. You do not need to have spoken to the Medical Examiner.

If the death is being investigated by the Coroner this might not be possible. We will be in touch with you to make an appointment once the paperwork has been received by the Coroner.

If the death occurred in Essex, it should be registered in Essex. This does not include any London Borough, Southend or Thurrock who register deaths separately.