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.
This guide has not been checked against its sources
We re-checked our most-read guides against GOV.UK and the other official sources in September 2026. This one was not among them, so nobody has confirmed its figures, deadlines or process steps since it was written. Treat it as a starting point and confirm anything that matters on GOV.UK before you act on it.
Tell Us Once is a free government service that reports a death to HMRC, DWP, the Passport Office, DVLA, the local council, Veterans UK and Social Security Scotland in one go. Access it online or by phone during office hours. You need the reference number the registrar gives you when you register the death, plus basic details about the person who died. It covers government organisations only — banks, insurers, utilities and private pensions still need telling separately.
Key Information
Tell Us Once is a free government service that lets you report a death to multiple government departments and councils with a single notification, saving you from making numerous phone calls and sending letters during a difficult time.
When someone dies, there are many organisations that need to be informed. The Tell Us Once service simplifies this process by allowing you to provide information once, which is then shared with relevant government departments and your local council. After using Tell Us Once, you'll still need to notify banks and financial institutions separately.
You can use Tell Us Once if the person who died was living in England, Scotland or Wales — including if they died while temporarily abroad. You cannot use it if they were living in Northern Ireland or permanently abroad when they died. The death must have been registered, or reported to a coroner with a final or interim death certificate. The registrar will explain the service and give you access when you register the death.
Register the death
The registrar gives you a unique reference number
Access Tell Us Once
Use the reference number online or by phone
Provide information
Enter details about the person who died
Automatic notification
Relevant departments are notified immediately
Important: You must use Tell Us Once within 28 days of getting your unique reference number from the registrar.
When you use Tell Us Once, any benefits or entitlements the person was receiving will be cancelled or adjusted. This includes:
If the deceased was claiming benefits jointly with someone else, Tell Us Once will notify the relevant departments so they can contact the surviving person about continuing claims.
While Tell Us Once covers many government services, you'll still need to contact private companies and some other organisations separately. Keep a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Before You Start
Gather the information below before you begin, so you are not hunting for a National Insurance number part way through.
Tell Us Once reference number
Given by the registrar when you register the death
Death certificate
You'll need the certificate number
If the person was receiving any benefits or pensions, have details ready:
You may also need:
Available 24/7 at your convenience
Best for: Those comfortable with online forms who want to complete it in their own time
Speak to an advisor for help
Best for: Those who prefer speaking to someone or need assistance
Some registrars offer to complete Tell Us Once with you immediately after registering the death. This service availability varies by area.
If you need face-to-face help later, some councils offer appointments at their offices. Contact your local council to check availability.
Don't worry if you don't have all of these - provide what you can
How long it takes
GOV.UK does not publish a completion time. How long it takes depends on how many benefits, pensions and council services the person was using, so gather the details above first.
After using Tell Us Once, you may receive:
From DWP
Letters about benefit changes, final payments, or overpayments to be recovered
From HMRC
Tax calculation for the year of death, possible refund information
From Local Council
Council Tax adjustments, changes to single person discount
From DVLA
Confirmation that the licence is cancelled. DVLA also removes the person as keeper of up to 5 vehicles and ends the vehicle tax — but you must still contact DVLA separately if you sell or keep a vehicle, or want to keep a private registration
Important
Keep your Tell Us Once confirmation reference safe. You may need it as proof that you've notified government departments, especially if there are any queries about benefits or tax.
If your reference number isn't accepted:
If you don't have all the required information:
You need permission from the surviving spouse or civil partner, the next of kin, the executor or administrator, or anyone claiming joint benefits with the person who died, before giving their details:
It depends where the person was living. You can use Tell Us Once if they were living in England, Scotland or Wales and died while temporarily abroad, for example on holiday or a business trip. You cannot use it if they were living abroad permanently when they died, or living in Northern Ireland.
If you realise you've made an error after submitting, contact the Tell Us Once helpline on 0800 085 7308. They can advise on corrections. For significant errors, you may need to contact individual departments directly.
Yes, anyone with the unique reference number and required information can complete Tell Us Once. This could be a family member, friend, or professional advisor like a solicitor.
You should still use Tell Us Once. It will cancel their driving licence, passport, and Blue Badge if applicable, and ensure they're removed from mailing lists and electoral registers.
Tell Us Once shares the details you give only with the government organisations listed above. GOV.UK requires you to have permission from the surviving spouse or civil partner, the next of kin, the executor or administrator, or anyone claiming joint benefits with the person who died, before you give their details.
No. Tell Us Once tells the Passport Office to cancel a British passport without you sending it in, and tells DVLA to cancel the driving licence. If you did not use Tell Us Once, you cancel the passport using form D1 and write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB about the licence.
Tell Us Once simplifies notifying government departments, but it's just one part of managing death admin. For comprehensive support with all aspects of bereavement administration, Farra can guide you through the entire process.
Full list of organisations to notify including those not covered by Tell Us Once
Similar service to notify banks and financial institutions quickly
Book your registry appointment where you'll access Tell Us Once service
Step-by-step process for closing deceased person's bank accounts after notification
How to notify DVLA and cancel or transfer vehicle insurance
Contact energy suppliers and broadband providers not covered by Tell Us Once
Complete overview of death administration including notification requirements
Priority contacts in the first hours before you use Tell Us Once
Financial support available after death including Bereavement Support Payment
How to access deceased's bank accounts before probate to cover funeral costs