In the past, letting individual government departments know about a change in your circumstances such as a bereavement might have taken a lot of time and effort.

A registrar will explain the Tell Us Once service when you register the death. They will either complete the Tell Us Once service with you or give you a unique reference number so you can use the service yourself online or by phone.

The registrar will give you a number to call. This includes a video relay service for British Sign Language (BSL) users and Relay UK if you cannot hear or speak on the phone.

You must use the service within 28 days of getting your unique reference number.

If you cannot register the death because an inquest is underway, you can still ask a registrar for a unique reference number. You’ll need to get an interim death certificate from the coroner holding the inquest first.

They will pass relevant information to:

Department for Work and Pensions

Identity and Passport Services

Electoral Services

Blue Badge Parking Scheme

H.M. Revenue and Customs

Housing and Council Tax offices

Libraries

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

It will assist the process if you take any relevant information with you such as the deceased’s National Insurance Number, Passports, Driving Licence, Blue Badge, etc.

Tell Us Once >> Contact Us