Death Notification Service Explained
What is a Death Notification Service?
Death notification services help you inform multiple organisations about a death with a single notification. These services can save you hours of phone calls and paperwork during a difficult time.
Available Services
Life Ledger
Free service that notifies banks, utilities, and other companies.
- Over 1,000 companies connected
- Online portal for tracking progress
- No cost to use
Death Notification Service (DNS)
UK Finance initiative for financial services.
- Covers major banks and building societies
- Single form for multiple institutions
- Participating banks process within 10 days
How to Use These Services
- Register online - Create an account on your chosen service
- Provide details - Enter information about the deceased
- Upload documents - Death certificate and proof of authority
- Select organisations - Choose which companies to notify
- Track progress - Monitor responses through the portal
What You'll Need
- Death certificate (certified copy)
- Your identification
- Proof of your authority to act (will, grant of probate)
- Account numbers for services being cancelled
- Recent bills or statements
Important Notes
- • These services complement, not replace, Tell Us Once
- • Some organisations still require direct contact
- • Keep records of all notifications sent
- • Follow up if no response within 10 working days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a death notification service and how does it work?
Death notification services like Life Ledger and the Death Notification Service (DNS) allow you to inform multiple organisations about a death with a single notification. You create an account, provide details about the deceased, upload required documents, select which companies to notify, and track responses through an online portal.
Is the death notification service free to use?
Life Ledger is completely free to use and covers over 1,000 companies. The Death Notification Service (DNS) from UK Finance is also free for notifying banks and building societies that participate in the scheme.
What documents do I need for death notification services?
You'll need a certified copy of the death certificate, your identification, proof of your authority to act (such as a will or grant of probate), account numbers for services being cancelled, and recent bills or statements from the organisations you're notifying.
Does death notification service replace Tell Us Once?
No, death notification services complement Tell Us Once but don't replace it. Tell Us Once notifies government departments like HMRC, DWP and DVLA. Death notification services handle private sector organisations like banks, utilities, and insurance companies.
How long does it take for organisations to respond to death notifications?
Participating banks and organisations typically process death notifications within 10 working days. You can track progress through the online portal, and should follow up if you receive no response within this timeframe.
Related Guides
Tell Us Once Service
Notify government departments including HMRC, DWP and DVLA in one go
Complete Notification Checklist
Full list of all organisations and services that need to be informed
Close Bank Accounts
Detailed process for closing accounts after notifying via DNS
Cancel Car Insurance
How to notify insurers and handle vehicle insurance after a death
Notify Utility Companies
Contact gas, electric, water and broadband providers to update accounts
Register a Death
Register the death to get certificates needed for DNS notifications
What to Do When Someone Dies
Complete guide to death administration including all notification tasks
Who to Call First
Priority contacts in the immediate hours after a death
Related Guides
You might also find these guides helpful
Complete Guide to Tell Us Once Service
How to use the government's Tell Us Once service to notify multiple departments with a single notification.
Complete Checklist: Who to Inform When Someone Dies in the UK
Comprehensive UK checklist of who to notify when someone dies. Includes government services, banks, utilities, insurance, and more with timelines and what information you need.
UK Death Notification Process: Complete Guide 2025
Complete UK death notification process guide 2025. Learn who to notify when someone dies, priority order, Tell Us Once service, timelines for banks, government, utilities, and all 40+ organisations.