Access to Do It Online may not be available due to essential maintenance during the early hours of Monday 26 May 2025. We expect it to be over by 8.30am. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Repatriation of bodies to abroad

A coroner can give permission for a body to be moved out of England or Wales. This permission has to be obtained at least four days before a body is to be moved so that any enquiries can be made. However, a coroner may be able to give permission sooner.

Once a coroner has granted permission, a funeral director will be able to make the necessary arrangements.

Afterwards you will be given a removal notice, a section of which is sent to the registrar after the funeral.

Permission must always be obtained where a funeral is to take place outside England or Wales. This applies in all cases where a body is to be moved out of England or Wales, not just where a death was reported to the coroner.

Contact Registration Service

Email theregisteroffice@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 266 000