Guide
Who do you need to notify after a death?
It’s hard to know who needs telling. In England, Scotland and Wales, Tell Us Once covers most government bodies in one step. In Northern Ireland you contact the relevant services directly. Here’s the full picture.
At a glance
- Use Tell Us Once within 28 days of getting the reference number, if the person lived in England, Scotland or Wales.
- Contact banks, private pensions, insurers, employers and household providers yourself.
- If the person lived in Northern Ireland, follow nidirect guidance and contact government services separately.
Government (via Tell Us Once in England, Scotland and Wales)
- HMRC — for tax and any benefits
- DWP — State Pension and benefits
- DVLA — driving licence
- HM Passport Office — passport
- The local council — Council Tax, electoral register, Blue Badge
Money and insurance
- Banks and building societies
- Pension providers (state, workplace and private)
- Life, home, car and health insurers
- Mortgage lender or landlord
- Credit cards and any loans
Home and everyday services
- Gas, electricity and water
- Broadband, landline and mobile
- TV licence and subscriptions
- GP, dentist and any hospital appointments
- Employer, and any clubs or memberships
Where to go
The official UK services and trusted support for this — so you can act, not just read.
- Tell Us OnceGOV.UK Report a death to most government departments in one go.
- Who to tell about a death in Northern Irelandnidirect Northern Ireland guidance for contacting government and other organisations.
- Who to contact after a deathGOV.UK Organisations to notify and how Tell Us Once helps.
- Stop marketing mailThe Bereavement Register Reduce post addressed to the person who died.
General information to help you find your way — not legal or financial advice. Last reviewed June 2026.