What is a certificate of registration of death (form BD8)?

It should be completed as soon as possible and sent to the Department for Work and Pensions (the form will tell you how). It is not required in all cases, but, if in doubt, it should be completed and submitted.

The “DWP” will use the form to make an assessment on state pensions and benefits. The form will then be forwarded by them to HM Revenue & Customs.

If you are instructing a solicitor to deal with the probate process, you may ask the solicitor to complete this form for you. However, it is a simple form and there is no need for it to be completed by a professional.

It can (and usually should) be submitted before starting the probate process. Delaying may result in over-payment of state benefits, which the estate will have to pay back in due course.

Not a death certificate

Form BD8 is somewhat confusingly known as the certificate of registration of death, but it is not the same as a death certificate.