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.
Need to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order — from £95.
When someone dies, notifying Electoral Register is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long Electoral Register takes to process a bereavement notification.
Electoral Register bereavement contact details
Online: Tell Us Once — notifies the electoral register automatically
The Tell Us Once service at gov.uk/tell-us-once automatically notifies your local Electoral Registration Office when you report the death. No separate action is usually required.
If Tell Us Once was not used, contact your local Electoral Registration Office directly. Find contact details at gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office. Provide the deceased's full name, address, and date of death.
Removing someone from the electoral register is straightforward and is handled entirely by the local authority. There are no documents to return and no fee involved.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
Electoral Register typically takes 1–2 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
The annual canvass may still send correspondence to the deceased's address if not updated promptly. Contact the council directly if this occurs after notification.
Once Electoral Register receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
Electoral Register will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying Electoral Register
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying Electoral Register promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a death. Use the Bereavement Service (0800 731 0469) or Tell Us Once to cancel State Pension, benefits, and claim Bereavement Support Payment.
Notify HM Revenue & Customs of a death. Use Tell Us Once or call 0300 200 3300. Final Self Assessment return, tax refund, or Inheritance Tax — step-by-step guide.
Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service that notifies HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, and your local council in a single step. Get your reference from the registrar. Full guide.
Cancel a deceased person's passport via Tell Us Once or by posting it to HM Passport Office. No fee. Prevents identity fraud. Full guide.
Use Tell Us Once to notify your local council of a death — covers council tax, housing benefit, blue badge, and library membership. Step-by-step guide.
Ready to apply for probate?
Answer 15 questions and we'll tell you exactly what to file, in what order, and what to do when it gets complicated.
Get started →Free to start · from £95