From 9 November 2026, you may be able to register a death remotely by telephone or video call, instead of attending the Register Office in person. You can still choose to register a death in person.
Who can register remotely
If you are a relative or partner of the person who died, you can register remotely in that capacity if you:
- were present at the death
- care for the person during their last illness
- are in the registration district at the time of the appointment
- live in the registration district.
If none of these apply
You may still be able to register remotely in another capacity, for example if you are arranging the burial or cremation.
If you want to register as a relative but do not meet the requirements for remote registration, you can:
- attend the Register Office and register the death in person
- register by out-of-district declaration.
Before you book
We need to have received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) before an appointment can be arranged.
The existing Register a death page already tells residents not to book until Brent has received the MCCD or the necessary paperwork from the coroner.
Do not book your appointment until this has been confirmed.
What happens at your remote appointment
A registrar will contact you by telephone or video call at your appointment time.
During the appointment:
- You will provide the information needed to register the death.
- The registrar will record the information you give them.
- The registrar will read the information back to you so you can check that it is correct.
- You will make a declaration confirming that the information you have provided is true to the best of your knowledge and belief.
You will not need to sign a paper register.
What you will need
Before your appointment, make sure you have the information and supporting documents you need to register the death.
Check what you need for your appointment
Book a remote appointment
Once we have received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), you can book your remote appointment.