Mountbatten Hampshire's guide to what to do after a death

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming, and it may be hard to focus on the practical tasks that need to be completed. At Mountbatten Hampshire, we are here to guide you through the necessary steps.

Step 1: Medical certificate and belongings

A medical certificate stating the cause of death will be issued by a doctor. This document is essential for registering the death. In some cases, the Coroner may need to investigate further—don’t worry, this is standard procedure. While collecting the medical certificate, you can also collect your loved one’s belongings from us.

Step 2: Registering the death

For people living in Hampshire, deaths must be registered at the local registry office in the district where the death occurred. You should contact the relevant Hampshire Registration Service to book an appointment.

Key Information:

Timeframe: You must register the death within five working days unless the Coroner is involved.
Where to register: Visit the registry office in the district where the death occurred. Hampshire has several registry offices, including locations in Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, and others.
Booking an appointment: You can book an appointment online via the Hampshire County Council website or by calling the Hampshire Registration Service at 0300 555 1392.
Documents needed: Bring the medical certificate of cause of death (issued by a doctor) and proof of your identity.

For specific details, including the nearest registry office, visit the Hampshire County Council website.

The registry office may also ask for the following documents. If you have them available, you should also take the person’s

Birth certificate
Proof of address
Passport/Photo ID
Council Tax Bill
NHS Number or Medical Card
Marriage/ Civil Partnership Certificate

You can register the person’s death without these documents, but they will be helpful for making sure that the right people are informed about the death as soon as possible.

The registry office also offers the Tell Us Once service, which notifies relevant council services on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

To use this service following the registration of a death, you must bring with you proof of their identity and where applicable:

the deceased person's National Insurance number
valid passport
valid driving licence
library card
blue badge
DWP Benefits letter
concessionary travel card
vehicle ownership document

Step 3: Arranging the funeral

If your loved one made funeral plans, such as in their will or Advance Care Plan, let us know so we can liaise with the funeral director. If no plans were made, a funeral director can guide you through the arrangements.

Step 4: Accessing bereavement support

Grieving can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Mountbatten bereavement team offers professional, compassionate support. Call us on 02382 548 840 to self-refer.