Get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (and medical examiner sign-off)

Why it matters

You cannot register the death without it. Since 2024 a medical examiner independently reviews the cause of death before registration in England & Wales.

How to do it

1. A doctor issues the MCCD; a medical examiner reviews it and may speak with you.
2. If the death was sudden, unexpected, or unexplained, it is referred to the coroner (procurator fiscal in Scotland) and registration waits on that.
3. The certificate or the coroner's process lets you register the death next.

This unlocks

• Register the death (within 5 days in England & Wales; 8 in Scotland)