TL;DR
Tell Us Once lets you report a death to most government departments and local council services in one go, instead of contacting each one separately. When you register the death, the registrar gives you a unique reference number that you use online or by phone. It notifies the DWP, HMRC, the Passport Office, the DVLA and your local council, among others. It is available in England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What Tell Us Once is
Tell Us Once is a free government service that lets you report a person's death to most of the government organisations that need to know, in a single step. Without it, the people dealing with an estate often have to contact each department and council service separately, repeating the same details many times during an already difficult period. Tell Us Once removes most of that repetition by passing the information to participating organisations on your behalf.
Which organisations it notifies
The service contacts a range of central and local government bodies. These typically include the Department for Work and Pensions, so that benefits and the State Pension can be stopped or adjusted, HM Revenue and Customs for tax and any tax credits, HM Passport Office to cancel a passport, the DVLA to cancel a driving licence, and the local council for Council Tax, Housing Benefit, the electoral register, and services such as a Blue Badge or library membership. Public sector pension schemes can also be included where relevant.
How to use it
You usually start Tell Us Once when you register the death. The registrar will either complete the service with you or give you a unique reference number and the details you need to use it yourself, online or by phone. You have a limited window to use the reference number, so it is best done soon after registration. You can complete it on behalf of the person dealing with the estate if you have their permission.
What information you need
To use the service you will generally need the date of death, the person's National Insurance number and date of birth, and details of any benefits or services they were receiving. You may also be asked for details of the next of kin, the person dealing with the estate, and any surviving spouse or civil partner. Having the death certificate reference and the person's documents to hand makes the process quicker.
What it does not cover
Tell Us Once handles government and council services, but it does not contact banks, building societies, insurers, utility providers, private pension schemes or landlords. Those need to be told separately. It also does not deal with probate or with distributing the estate, which are separate processes.
Availability across the UK
Tell Us Once is available in England, Scotland and Wales. It is not available in Northern Ireland, where you contact the relevant organisations directly. If the death occurred abroad, the service may not be available and you will usually need to notify organisations yourself.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not legal advice. The exact organisations covered and the steps to use Tell Us Once can vary, so follow the instructions given by your registrar and the guidance on the official source below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tell Us Once free?
Yes. It is a free government service.
Where do I get the reference number?
The registrar gives it to you when you register the death, along with the details you need to use the service.
Does Tell Us Once contact my bank?
No. It only covers government and council services. Banks, insurers, utilities and private pensions must be told separately.
Is Tell Us Once available in Northern Ireland?
No. It covers England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland you contact organisations directly.
How long do I have to use it?
There is a limited window after registering the death, so it is best to use the reference number as soon as possible.
