Death Certificate
Notarisation and Apostille Services for Death Certificate
Losing a loved one is never easy, and we at Wharf Notaries aim to make the process of notarising and apostilling a death certificate as straightforward and supportive as possible.
Process to Notarise or Apostille a Death Certificate
For notarising or apostilling a death certificate in the UK, Wharf Notaries offers a straightforward and supportive process:
- Bring the Original Document: Start by bringing the original death certificate to Wharf Notaries.
- Provide Identification: To confirm your identity, you will need to show a valid passport or driving licence along with proof of address.
- Notarisation of the Certificate: If the document requires notarisation, our notary will verify and certify the authenticity of the original death certificate.
- Apostille Services through the FCDO: If the document only requires an apostille, we’ll submit the original death certificate to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for you.
- For Non-UK Death Certificates
Please note that certain countries may also require embassy legalisation in addition to the apostille, depending on local regulations. It is best to check specific requirements with the authorities in the country where the document will be used.
When a Death Certificate Should Be Notarised and Apostilled
In the UK, a Death Certificate generally does not require notarisation if the deceased was a UK citizen who passed away within the UK.
However, if the Death Certificate is needed for legal or financial matters outside the UK, it may require notarisation. Notarisation, completed by a Notary Public, involves certifying the document’s authenticity and verifying the identity of the person presenting it.
While UK-issued Death Certificates often do not need notarisation for overseas use, they still require an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). To obtain an apostille, the original certificate or a certified copy issued by the General Register Office must be submitted to the FCDO, as photocopies will not be accepted.
Additionally, a translation of the Death Certificate may be necessary to ensure it is valid and clearly understood in the foreign country where it is required.
What is a Death Certificate?
A Death Certificate is an official document issued by a government agency to record the death of an individual. In the UK, it is typically provided by the local Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (RBDM) in the area where the death occurred. The agency name may vary slightly by region; for instance, it’s issued by the Registrar General for Scotland in Scotland and the General Register Office for Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland.
Information Included on a Death Certificate
A standard Death Certificate includes the following details about the deceased:
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Place of death
- Next of kin
- Cause of death
- Signature of the attending physician or medical examiner who confirmed the death
- Full name of the individual who registered the death
How is a Death Certificate Issued?
If you are responsible for reporting a death (often the next of kin), you will need to obtain a death certificate after the death is registered. The process typically includes the following steps:
- Reporting the Death to a Doctor: If the death occurs in a hospital, the attending doctor usually registers the death. For deaths outside a hospital, the death must be reported to a doctor, who will issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), required for registration.
- Registering the Death with the Registrar: The death must be registered with the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the area where it occurred. This task is usually completed by a family member, close relative, or individual present at the death.
- Obtaining a Burial or Cremation Certificate: The registrar will issue a certificate for burial or cremation, needed to proceed with the funeral.
- Providing Required Details: The person registering the death must provide the registrar with specific details, such as the date and place of death, the full name, gender, date and place of birth, and occupation of the deceased. If the deceased was married, the date of birth and occupation of the surviving spouse or civil partner must also be provided.
- Receiving Certified Copies of the Death Certificate: Following the funeral, the registrar issues certified copies of the death certificate, which may be used for legal or financial purposes.
- Application Methods: You can apply for a death certificate in person, by post, or online. Requirements vary depending on location, and applicants may need to provide personal details and identification of the deceased. A fee is generally payable when applying.
Please note, the specific process can vary based on the location. It is advisable to contact your local register office for detailed requirements and to confirm any additional steps for obtaining a death certificate in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Death Certificate
How long does it take to get a Death Certificate copy?
A standard certificate typically costs £11 and arrives within four working days. If needed sooner, the priority service costs £35 and offers next-day delivery if ordered by 4 pm on a working day.
How long does it take to apostille a Death Certificate?
Apostilling generally takes a few business days, depending on the service requested. Contact us for same-day options.
What is the cost of apostilling a Death Certificate?
Our fees vary based on the specific requirements and services chosen. For an accurate quote, reach out to Wharf Notaries directly
Can I notarise a death certificate from another country?
Yes, we can notarise a copy of a non-UK death certificate and submit it to the FCDO for apostilling. Please ensure you have the original document for verification.
What happens if the death certificate needs to be translated?
If the death certificate needs to be translated for use in another country, it’s essential to ensure that the translation is certified. We recommend checking with the relevant authorities to confirm their specific requirements.
How do I know if I need an apostille for a death certificate?
If you plan to use a death certificate outside the UK, you should check with the authorities in the country where it will be submitted to determine if an apostille is required.