Order a Death Certificate in England and Wales

Last updated: November 2025 • RegistryOffice.uk is independent and not affiliated with the UK Government or GRO.

Quick answer

Use the General Register Office (GRO) online service to order official death certificates for England & Wales. Standard certificates start from £12.50 and priority service from £38.50 with a GRO index reference. PDFs or digital images may be available for some records.Start here: Order a death certificate (GOV.UK → GRO)

Fees & services (summary)

Priority service (online): £38.50 with a GRO index reference; £42.00 without.Standard service (online): £12.50 with a GRO index reference; £16.00 without.PDF: £8.00 (where available). Online view digital image: £3.00 (where available).

Delivery times (guide)

  • Priority: next working day dispatch (order cut-off times apply).
  • Standard: ~4 working days with a GRO index reference; up to ~15 without a reference.

What you need to order

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Date and place of death (and date of birth if known)
  • GRO index reference (optional but reduces cost and speeds processing)

How to order

  1. Visit the official GOV.UK ordering page and choose the GRO service.
  2. Create/sign in to your GRO account and search the index or enter details.
  3. Select certificate format and service speed.
  4. Pay online and track your order via your account/email updates.

Good to know

  • You may need multiple certified copies for banks, pensions, insurers and probate.
  • Some local councils also offer local copy services, but GRO is usually the quickest/cheapest online route.

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