# How to use Tell Us Once after a death

> How-to · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

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## Quick answer

After registering a death, the registrar gives you a unique Tell Us Once reference. Use it within 28 days to notify HMRC, DWP, DVLA, the Passport Office, local council and others in a single online process.

Tell Us Once is a free GOV.UK service available in England, Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland has its own equivalent). It saves contacting each government department separately during an already difficult time.

## Steps

### 1. Register the death first

Register the death with a registrar within 5 days (8 in Scotland). They'll explain Tell Us Once and give you a reference.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/register-a-death

### 2. Start Tell Us Once online or by phone

Use the online service at gov.uk/tell-us-once, or call the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 731 0469. You'll need the reference from the registrar.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/tell-us-once

### 3. Provide the details

Tell Us Once collects basic details about the person, the next of kin, the personal representative and what services to notify.

### 4. Confirm and submit

Tell Us Once forwards the information to HMRC, DWP, the Passport Office, DVLA, your local council and other relevant bodies. You'll get email confirmation.

### 5. Separately notify banks, utilities and insurers

Tell Us Once does NOT cover banks, utilities, insurers, mobile networks or private pensions — you'll need to contact those separately. Many use the Death Notification Service for banks.

Source: https://www.deathnotificationservice.co.uk/

## Common pitfalls

- Use Tell Us Once within 28 days of registering the death
- Tell Us Once doesn't cover utilities, banks or private pensions — handle separately
- Northern Ireland has its own 'Bereavement Service' contact — see nidirect.gov.uk

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tell Us Once free?

Yes — both the online and phone service are free.

### What if I miss the 28-day window?

You can still notify departments individually, but you'll lose the convenience of doing it once. Contact each department or use the DWP Bereavement Service line.

### Does Tell Us Once cancel direct debits?

Not for private companies. It stops government payments (benefits, State Pension), but you must cancel utility and bank direct debits separately.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Tell Us Once](https://www.gov.uk/tell-us-once)
- [GOV.UK — What to do after someone dies](https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies)
- [Death Notification Service](https://www.deathnotificationservice.co.uk/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.