Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
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You typically need 8-12 certified copies. Banks, insurers, pension providers, HMRC, and probate registry each require an original certified copy. Order at registration for £11 per copy (£15+ if ordered later). Most organisations keep certificates permanently.
| Estate Type | Copies Needed | Cost (England/Wales) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Estate (few accounts) | 6-8 copies | £66-£88 |
| Average Estate (property, accounts) | 8-12 copies | £88-£132 |
| Complex Estate (business, multiple properties) | 12-15 copies | £132-£165 |
| International Assets (foreign property/accounts) | Add 3-5 copies | +£33-£55 |
Prices at £11 per copy in England/Wales (February 2026). Order at registration for immediate delivery.
Most organizations keep the death certificate copy permanently, so you'll need a separate copy for each organization you contact.
Each insurance company needs 1 copy for:
Always keep at least one certified copy for your own records and for any unexpected requirements that arise later.
Very limited - usually only:
Always ask first - most organizations require certified copies.
Don't try to save money by using photocopies. Most organizations will reject them and ask for certified copies anyway, causing delays in processing your requests.
Total Needed: _____ + 2-3 buffer = _____ copies
Add 2-3 extra copies as a buffer for unexpected requirements or mistakes.
6-8 copies
Few accounts, no property, straightforward
8-12 copies
Property, multiple accounts, some investments
12+ copies
Multiple properties, business interests, complex finances
Order all the copies you think you'll need when registering the death. It saves time and ensures you have them immediately for urgent matters like bank account closures.
8 copies (typical need): £88 + £1.50 postage = £89.50
12 copies (complex estate): £132 + £1.50 postage = £133.50
5 extra copies later: £55 + £1.50 postage = £56.50
Money-saving tip: Order all copies at once to pay postage only once. Ordering 12 copies together costs the same per copy as ordering them individually, but saves on multiple postage charges.
You can order additional certified copies at any time - there's no time limit. However, it takes longer and costs the same per copy.
For urgent needs, express service is available for £35 per copy (next working day delivery). This is expensive but can be worthwhile for time-sensitive matters like property transactions.
If the deceased had assets abroad, you may need to use UK death certificates internationally. Additional UK government certification may be required.
For use in countries that have signed the Hague Convention, you may need an apostille stamp:
For countries not in the Hague Convention, you may need embassy authentication:
If you know international use is likely, order 2-3 extra certified copies initially. The apostille/authentication process uses up the original certificates, so you'll need extras.
You typically need 8-12 certified copies for most estates. Each organisation (banks, insurance, pension providers, HMRC) needs their own copy, which they usually keep permanently.
Quick guide: Simple estate (6-8 copies), Average estate (8-12 copies), Complex estate (12-15 copies).
Count your requirements:
None. You do not receive any free death certificates in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Each certified copy costs £11 (England/Wales), £14 (Northern Ireland), or £15 (Scotland). You must purchase all copies you need when registering the death or order them later for the same price plus postage.
1 certified copy per insurance company. If the deceased had multiple life insurance policies with different companies, you need 1 copy for each company.
Most insurers keep the certificate permanently, so you cannot reuse it. They will not accept photocopies - only certified copies with the official seal.
Yes, you can order additional certified copies at any time - there's no time limit. Order online at gov.uk, by phone, or from your local register office.
Cost: £11 per copy + £1.50 postage per order. Standard delivery takes 4 working days, or pay £35 for express next-day service. However, it's better to order all you need at registration to avoid delays when closing accounts.
No. UK banks do not accept photocopies. Banks require certified copies with the official registrar's seal for all account closures and probate matters.
Photocopies have no legal validity. Attempting to use them will cause delays as banks will reject them and request certified copies.
Certified copies are official documents issued by the registrar with a raised seal or watermark, cost £11 each, and are accepted by all organisations for legal/financial matters.
Photocopies are regular photocopies with no official seal, cost pennies, and are rarely accepted (only for informal purposes like membership cancellations).
Many people order 3-4 copies thinking they can share them around. Each organization typically keeps the copy, so you need one per organization. Order 8-12 for most estates.
Don't try to save money with photocopies. Most organizations won't accept them and will ask for certified copies anyway, causing delays.
The best time to order is when registering the death. You get them immediately and avoid postage delays when you need them urgently.
If there are any foreign assets, investments, or property, you'll likely need additional copies for apostille/authentication processes.
Getting the right number of death certificates is just the first step. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to do after someone dies.
Order certificates at registration to get them immediately
Fix mistakes before ordering multiple expensive copies
Banks typically keep the certificate - you'll need separate copies
Probate applications require certified death certificates
First extract is free in Scotland - different pricing structure
Lower cost certificates in NI at £10 each instead of £11
Complete checklist of tasks requiring death certificates
Full list of organisations that need certified copies
Banks require certified death certificate copies to close accounts
Insurance companies need certified copies to process cancellations
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