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 Passport Office 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 Passport Office takes to process a bereavement notification.
Passport Office bereavement contact details
Post: HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW
The easiest way to notify HM Passport Office of a death is via the Tell Us Once service at gov.uk/tell-us-once. This automatically cancels the deceased's passport without any further action needed.
If you prefer to return the passport directly, send it to HM Passport Office, PO Box 767, Southport, PR8 9PW with a covering letter stating the holder has died and the date of death. There is no fee.
If you wish to destroy the passport yourself rather than return it, cut across one corner (do not shred). This cancels it for travel purposes. However, returning it to HMPO is recommended to prevent identity fraud.
A passport belongs to the Crown and cannot be transferred or used by anyone other than the person named on it. You cannot use a deceased person's passport for any purpose.
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.
Passport Office typically takes 2–4 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.
If the passport has been lost or stolen, report this separately via the police. Tell Us Once will still cancel HMPO records without the physical passport.
Once Passport Office 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.
Passport Office 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 Passport Office
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 Passport Office 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.
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.
Tell Us Once automatically notifies the electoral register. If not used, contact your local Electoral Registration Office directly. No fee, no forms. Full 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