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Managing paperwork after a bereavement is rarely easy. The UK's Tell Us Once service exists precisely to reduce this burden: one notification updates multiple government departments and local councils simultaneously, saving you from contacting each one individually.
Here is everything you need to know about how the service works, who it notifies, and how to access it.
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At a glance
What it is
A free UK government service that notifies multiple departments when you register a death — so you only have to report it once.
Who handles it
The Registration Service (your local register office), which passes information securely to relevant central and local government bodies.
Typical timeline
Available immediately when you register the death; government departments are updated within a few days of notification.
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What is the Tell Us Once service?
Tell Us Once is a free, optional service offered by the Registration Service. When you register a death, you can use it to inform multiple government organisations on your behalf. It updates the deceased's records across relevant departments, reducing the risk of missed notifications and unnecessary correspondence being sent to bereaved families.
Before using the service, you must have a death certificate in hand. The service cannot proceed without it — so register the death at the local register office first.
Getting the death certificate
To register a death, you will first need a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), issued by a doctor or, if the coroner was involved, a coroner's certificate. Take this to the Registrar's Office in the area where the death occurred, along with identification for both the deceased and the person registering. The death certificate is issued on completion. You can find out what else to do after a death in our broader guide on what to do when a loved one passes away.
Who does Tell Us Once notify?
| Body | What is updated |
|---|---|
| Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) | Pensions, benefits, or allowances |
| HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) | Tax and National Insurance records |
| Identity and Passport Services | Passport cancelled |
| DVLA | Driving licence and vehicle registration updated |
| War Pensions Scheme | War-related pension payments ceased |
| Local council (on request) | Housing Benefit, Council Tax, electoral roll, library, Blue Badge, adult/children's services |
How the service works — step by step
Step 1: Register the death
Visit your local register office with the MCCD and your identification. The registrar will issue the death certificate and offer you access to Tell Us Once.
Step 2: Choose your access method
You can use Tell Us Once online, by phone, or in person at the register office with staff assistance — whichever is easiest at the time.
Step 3: Provide the required information
You will need: the deceased's National Insurance number, passport number, driving licence number, and details of any benefits, pensions, or local services they used.
Step 4: Data is handled securely
The information you supply is shared only with the departments you authorise. It is processed securely and in line with data protection law.
Why use Tell Us Once?
The practical benefits are significant during a period when emotional energy is limited. The service saves time (one notification covers many), reduces stress, prevents errors such as pension payments continuing after death, and is entirely free. It does not remove the need to notify private organisations (banks, insurers, utilities) — see our guide on who to notify when someone dies for a fuller checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tell Us Once available everywhere in the UK?
The service is available in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate arrangement — contact your local register office for guidance there.
Is it compulsory?
No. Tell Us Once is entirely optional. You can choose to contact government departments individually if you prefer.
What if I miss using it when I register?
You can still access Tell Us Once after registration — the registrar will give you a reference number valid for 28 days. Visit the official GOV.UK guidance on after a death to use it online.
The Tell Us Once service is a thoughtful initiative that reduces the administrative load on bereaved families at one of the hardest moments in life. Using it is straightforward, free, and can save you from weeks of form-filling and follow-up calls.
