Tell Us Once

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After you've registered a death, one of the most helpful services available is Tell Us Once. 

How does Tell Us Once work? 

When you register the death, the registrar will tell you about the Tell Us Once service. 

Depending on your local registration service, the registrar may: 

  1. Complete the Tell Us Once service with you during your appointment, or
  2. Give you a unique Tell Us Once reference number so that you can use the service yourself online or by telephone.

 If you're given a reference number, you'll receive instructions explaining how to use the service. What information will I need?

 You may be asked to provide information such as: 

  1. The person's date of birth.
  2. Their National Insurance number (if known).
  3. Their driving licence number (if they had one).
  4. Their passport number (if they had one).
  5. Details of any benefits or state pension they were receiving.
  6. Information about any local council services they used.

 Don't worry if you don't have every detail available. You can still use the service with the information you have. 

Which organisations can Tell Us Once notify? 

Tell Us Once can notify a number of government departments and services, including: 

  1. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
  2. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  3. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
  4. HM Passport Office
  5. Your local council, including services such as Council Tax, Housing Benefit, Blue Badge and Electoral Registration (where applicable)

 The organisations notified will depend on the circumstances of the person who has died. 

What Tell Us Once doesn't do 

Although Tell Us Once can notify many government organisations, you'll still need to contact private companies yourself. 

These may include: 

  1. Banks and building societies
  2. Insurance companies
  3. Pension providers
  4. Utility companies
  5. Mobile phone and broadband providers
  6. Mortgage providers
  7. Landlords
  8. Credit card companies
  9. Subscription services

It's a good idea to keep a simple checklist of who you've contacted.

Is Tell Us Once free? 

Yes. Tell Us Once is a free government service.

Is there a time limit? 

If you're given a Tell Us Once reference number, you should use it as soon as possible. The registrar will explain how long your reference number remains valid and provide instructions for using the service.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I have to use Tell Us Once? 

No. The service is optional, but many people find it saves time by notifying several government departments at once.

Can someone else use the service for me? 

Yes. If you're dealing with the person's affairs, you can usually complete the Tell Us Once process on their behalf. 

What happens if I lose my reference number? 

Contact the Register Office where the death was registered. They will advise you on what to do next. 

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