Help & Guidance
Registering a Death
Registering a death is one of the practical steps that needs to be taken when someone dies.
We understand that it may be something you've never had to do before, and knowing where to begin isn't always straightforward.
We've explained the registration process, what information you'll need and how to arrange an appointment with Stockport Register Office.
If you have any questions along the way, our team at Memories will be happy to guide you.
Book a Registration Appointment →
Understanding the Process
When Can You Register a Death?
Before a death can be registered, the necessary medical paperwork must be completed.
In most circumstances, a doctor will complete a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is reviewed by an independent NHS Medical Examiner.
The Medical Examiner's Office will contact you to confirm when you can register the death. The medical certificate is sent to the register office electronically.
You should normally register the death within five days of receiving confirmation that registration can take place.
You do not need to wait until the death has been registered before contacting Memories to discuss funeral arrangements.
Three Straightforward Steps
How to Register a Death
The process is usually straightforward once the required paperwork has been completed.
Wait for Confirmation
The Medical Examiner's Office or coroner will confirm when the necessary documents have been completed and registration can take place.
Book an Appointment
Contact the register office in the district where the death occurred. If the death happened in Stockport, you can book your appointment online with Stockport Council.
Attend the Register Office
The registrar will guide you through the registration, check the necessary information and explain the documents available afterwards.
Registering in Stockport
Stockport Register Office
If the person died within the Stockport registration district, the death can be registered at Stockport Register Office.
The office is located at Stockport Town Hall, using the John Street entrance.
An appointment is required. Stockport Council advises that a death registration appointment can take up to 30 minutes.
If the death occurred outside Stockport, you should normally contact the register office for the district where it happened, even if your loved one lived in Stockport.
Contact & Appointment Details
Address
Stockport Register Office
Stockport Town Hall
John Street Entrance
Stockport
SK1 3XE
Sat Nav Postcode
SK1 3SL
Telephone
Parking
Parking is available at the John Street entrance. Stockport Council advises that permits are issued at the Register Office reception.
Preparing for Your Appointment
What Will You Need?
The registrar will ask you for information about the person who has died. Having the details ready beforehand can make the appointment easier.
Information You'll Be Asked For
- Their full name, including any previous names
- Their date and place of birth
- The date and place of death
- Their usual home address
- Their occupation
- Their marital or civil partnership status
- Where applicable, their spouse's or civil partner's full name and occupation
Documents That May Be Helpful
- Your own passport or driving licence
- The deceased's passport or driving licence
- A recent utility bill showing the deceased's address
- Any other documents that may help confirm names, dates or personal details
Don't worry if you don't have these documents. Stockport Council advises that registration can still proceed without them, provided the necessary information is available.
After Your Appointment
What Happens Once the Death Is Registered?
There are a few important documents and services to be aware of once registration is complete.
Death Certificates
You can purchase certified copies of the death certificate at your appointment.
Stockport Council currently charges £12.50 per copy. You may need copies for banks, insurance companies and other organisations.
There is no free certified death certificate included in registration.
Funeral Authorisation
The registrar will arrange the appropriate paperwork authorising burial or cremation, often called the green form.
This must be received by the appropriate funeral or cremation authority before the funeral can take place.
Different paperwork may be issued where the coroner is involved.
Tell Us Once
The registrar can provide information about the government's Tell Us Once service.
This allows you to notify several government departments and relevant council services about the death in one process.
Different Circumstances
What If the Coroner Is Involved?
Sometimes a death is referred to the coroner because the cause of death is not known or further enquiries are needed.
In these circumstances, registration may follow a different process, and the documents required will depend on the outcome of the coroner's enquiries.
The coroner's office will explain what happens next and tell you when registration can take place, if an appointment is required.
You can still contact Memories while waiting for the coroner.
We'll explain which funeral arrangements can be discussed in the meantime and what paperwork or permissions we may need before the funeral proceeds.
Finding the Register Office
Getting to Stockport Town Hall
Death registration appointments take place at Stockport Town Hall.
Please use the John Street entrance rather than the main entrance to the Town Hall.
If you're travelling by car, the council recommends entering SK1 3SL into your sat nav.
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We're Here to Help You Through It
If you're unsure about any part of the registration process, please get in touch.
We can explain what usually happens, help you understand the next steps and guide you through making funeral arrangements.