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How-to · Step-by-step

How to use Tell Us Once after a death

In short. After registering a death, the registrar gives you a unique Tell Us Once reference. Use it within 28 days to notify HMRC, DWP, DVLA, the Passport Office, local council and others in a single online process.

Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service available in England, Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland has its own equivalent). It saves contacting each government department separately during an already difficult time.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 45 min·Cost: Free

What you'll need

  • Tell Us Once reference (given by the registrar)
  • Date of birth, NI number and address of the person who died
  • Details of any benefits, pensions, blue badge, passport, driving licence held
  • Details of next of kin / executor / personal representative

The steps

  1. 01

    Register the death first

    Register the death with a registrar within 5 days (8 in Scotland). They'll explain Tell Us Once and give you a reference.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Start Tell Us Once online or by phone

    Use the online service at gov.uk/tell-us-once, or call the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 731 0469. You'll need the reference from the registrar.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Provide the details

    Tell Us Once collects basic details about the person, the next of kin, the personal representative and what services to notify.

  4. 04

    Confirm and submit

    Tell Us Once forwards the information to HMRC, DWP, the Passport Office, DVLA, your local council and other relevant bodies. You'll get email confirmation.

  5. 05

    Separately notify banks, utilities and insurers

    Tell Us Once does NOT cover banks, utilities, insurers, mobile networks or private pensions — you'll need to contact those separately. Many use the Death Notification Service for banks.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Use Tell Us Once within 28 days of registering the death
  • Tell Us Once doesn't cover utilities, banks or private pensions — handle separately
  • Northern Ireland has its own 'Bereavement Service' contact — see nidirect.gov.uk

FAQ

Is Tell Us Once free?
Yes — both the online and phone service are free.
What if I miss the 28-day window?
You can still notify departments individually, but you'll lose the convenience of doing it once. Contact each department or use the DWP Bereavement Service line.
Does Tell Us Once cancel direct debits?
Not for private companies. It stops government payments (benefits, State Pension), but you must cancel utility and bank direct debits separately.
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