Death Notification Service Explained
What is the death notification service?
Death notification services let you inform multiple organisations with one notification. Life Ledger and DNS notify banks and utilities free. Tell Us Once notifies government departments. Upload death certificate once, select companies, track responses online. Saves hours of individual calls.
- Life Ledger: Free service, 1,000+ companies, online tracking portal
- DNS (Death Notification Service): UK Finance initiative, major banks/building societies, 10-day processing
- Tell Us Once: Government service for HMRC, DWP, DVLA, local council
- How it works: Register online, upload death certificate, select organisations, track progress
- Benefits: One upload for multiple notifications, faster than individual contact, reduces paperwork stress
- Note: May still need direct contact for complex accounts or specific requests
Have more questions on UK death administration? Let Farra help.
What is a Death Notification Service?
Death notification services help you inform multiple organisations about a death with a single notification. After registering the death and obtaining death certificates, 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 from death registration)
- 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
Complete Guide to Tell Us Once Service
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