Getting a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
One of the first practical steps after a death is getting a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, often shortened to MCCD. It's an important document, since you can't register the death or move forward with funeral arrangements without it.
What the MCCD Is
The MCCD is a document written by a doctor confirming the cause of death. It's not the same as a death certificate, the MCCD is a medical document issued by a doctor, while the death certificate is a legal document issued later by the registrar, once the death has been registered. You'll need the MCCD in hand before you can register the death.
Who Issues It
Where the death happened determines who provides the certificate:
- In hospital: the hospital's bereavement office will arrange for a doctor to complete it, usually within 1 to 2 working days.
- At home or in a care home: the person's GP will usually issue it, provided they saw the person within the 14 days before death (28 days in Northern Ireland). The GP may give it to you in person or ask you to collect it from the surgery.
- If the cause of death is unclear or unexpected: the case will be referred to the coroner, who will investigate before any certificate can be issued. This can take longer, and the funeral generally can't proceed until it's resolved, though the coroner's office will keep you informed throughout.
A Recent Change Worth Knowing About
Since April 2024, every MCCD in England and Wales must be reviewed by a Medical Examiner, an independent senior doctor, before it can be issued. This is a safeguard to make sure the cause of death is accurate, but it typically adds 2 to 3 working days to the process. It's a fairly recent change, so it's worth knowing about if you're expecting the certificate sooner.
What You'll Need
To get the process moving, you'll generally need:
- Contact details for the person's GP surgery or the hospital ward
- The person's full name and date of birth
What Happens Next
Once you have the MCCD, you're ready for the next step, registering the death, which must happen within 5 days in England and Wales (8 days in Scotland). Our guide to registering a death in the UK walks through exactly what to bring and what to expect at that appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an MCCD and a death certificate?
The MCCD is written by a doctor and confirms the medical cause of death. The death certificate is a separate legal document issued by the registrar once you've registered the death, and it's the one you'll need copies of for banks, insurers, and other organisations.
How long does it take to get the MCCD?
For a hospital death, usually 1 to 2 working days. For a death at home, it depends on how quickly the GP can complete it, often the same day if the death was expected. Add 2 to 3 working days on top for the Medical Examiner review that's now required for every certificate.
What if the coroner needs to be involved?
If the cause of death is unclear, sudden, or unexpected, the case is referred to the coroner rather than the GP or hospital doctor issuing the certificate directly. The coroner may need to carry out further investigation, including a post-mortem, before releasing the certificate. This can delay things, but the coroner's office will usually issue an interim certificate so the funeral and, if needed, probate can still go ahead.
Can I choose burial or cremation before the MCCD is issued?
Yes, and it's worth letting the doctor or coroner's officer know your preference while the certificate is being prepared, since cremation in particular has its own additional paperwork that's easier to arrange early.
Related reading: How to Register a Death in the UK · A Gentle Guide to Funeral Planning in the UK · Using the Tell Us Once Service After a Death