What is the time limit for registering a death or stillbirth?
All deaths occurring in England and Wales must normally be registered
within five days by the Registrar of Births and Deaths for the sub-district in which the death occurred. In some cases, where the Coroner is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, this time limit may be extended.
A stillbirth is treated slightly differently and must be registered in the district in which it takes place within 42 days. It may not be registered more than three months after it occurred.
The duty to provide the particulars for registration rests principally with a relative of the deceased, but if no such relative is available the duty may be performed by any person present at the death, or the person making the decision on the funeral arrangements (perhaps an executor or other representative) or the occupier of the premises where the death or stillbirth took place.