Government notification services · Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)
Tell Us Once (GOV.UK) account process
Tell Us Once is offered by the registrar at, or shortly after, death registration. It is available across England, Scotland, and Wales; Northern Ireland uses a separate nidirect-run process. Completing it does not replace notifying banks, pensions providers, or other private institutions.
Independent educational guide. BeforeHand is not affiliated with Tell Us Once (GOV.UK). Confirm current requirements through the official source.
What to prepare
- The unique Tell Us Once reference number given by the registrar
- The deceased's National Insurance number, if known
- Details of any benefits, pension, or driving licence held by the deceased
- The deceased's passport, if applicable, for cancellation
- Details of a surviving spouse or civil partner, if applicable, since some benefits may need reassessment
Step-by-step process
- Register the death with the registrar first; Tell Us Once cannot be used before registration.
- Use the reference number to complete Tell Us Once online at GOV.UK, or by the phone number the registrar provides.
- Complete the service within 28 days of getting the reference number.
- Confirm with the registrar which departments and local-authority services apply in your area, since coverage can vary slightly by nation and council.
- Separately notify banks, insurers, pension providers, and other private institutions, since Tell Us Once only covers the government organizations it lists.
What to arrange in advance
Tell Us Once cannot be set up in advance — it is only used after a death is registered. The most useful preparation is keeping National Insurance, benefit, pension, and passport details together so the interview goes quickly.
Official source
Provider processes change. Use the official page below for current forms, channels, and documentation requirements.
GOV.UK — Tell Us Once →