How to register a death in London Borough of Lewisham
Last reviewed May 2026
Book your appointment online
London Borough of Lewisham takes death-registration appointments online. You do this on their website.
Book on the London Borough of Lewisham websiteThe appointment is booked with the council on their own website, not with Alenity. The link opens in a new tab.
Deadline
You have 5 days to register, counted from the day the medical examiner's office tells you the certificate has gone to the registrar, not from the date of death. If a coroner is involved, you register once they release the death.
Get guidance on the next steps
Find practical guidance on funeral, probate and property questions alongside help with notification admin.
Official London Borough of Lewisham register-a-death page
More about registration and what happens afterwards
Before you go: the medical examiner step
In England and Wales, the medical examiner reviews the cause of death before the certificate is sent to the registrar. If a coroner is involved, wait until the death is released.
Who can register the death
Usually a relative of the person who died. If no relative can attend, the law also allows someone present at the death, the person arranging the funeral, or an official from the hospital to register.
What to bring
What you'll receive
At the appointment the registrar will issue the certificate for burial or cremation (the "green form"), which the funeral director needs, and the death certificate itself. You can usually buy extra certified copies, most people need several for banks, pensions and probate.
You'll also be given a Tell Us Once reference. That lets you notify most government departments DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Passport Office in one go.
How much it costs
Registration fees and certified copies in London Borough of Lewisham.
What happens next
The order things need doing in, after registering.
Related guides
What is probate?
What it means, when you need it, what it costs and how to apply yourself.
What to do when someone dies
The full UK checklist, from the first 24 hours through probate.
Death admin checklist
A week-by-week task list. Printable PDF available.
Tell Us Once explained
How the free government service notifies HMRC, DWP and your council in one go.
Closing accounts after death
Step-by-step for banks, utilities, pensions and subscriptions.
Bereavement financial help
Benefits and grants you may be entitled to claim.
Probate explained
When you need it, what it costs, and whether you need a solicitor.
Arranging a funeral
Every option and what it costs, and how to choose a funeral director.
Prepare your probate application
Gather the estate details, check what you need and build a pack before you apply yourself.
Funeral cost calculator
Estimate a funeral for your area and the choices you are making.
