Death Notification Service UK: Costs, Banks And How To Use

Handling practicalities after a death can feel overwhelming. On top of grief, you’re asked to contact dozens of organisations, repeat difficult details, and keep track of what’s been closed or cancelled. It’s easy to worry about missing something important, from benefits and tax to bank accounts and driving licences.

Two free UK services can take much of that weight off your shoulders. Tell Us Once lets you report a death to key government departments in one go (HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office and local councils). The Death Notification Service (DNS) passes the news to participating banks, building societies and finance firms through a single online form. Used together, they save time, reduce admin errors and help prevent post and fraud.

This guide explains exactly how they work and how to use them. You’ll find who’s eligible, what each service covers, timings, what information to gather, and step‑by‑step instructions for using Tell Us Once online, by phone or via the registrar, and DNS for financial providers. We’ll list participating banks, clarify what’s free, note any potential costs and paid alternatives, cover safety and data protection, and outline special situations (inquests, deaths abroad, Northern Ireland). You’ll also get practical next steps, useful contacts and links, and where other notifications (utilities, insurers, landlords) fit in. Let’s start by understanding the two services and when to use each.

Step 1. Understand the services you can use (Tell Us Once vs Death Notification Service)

Two free, legitimate UK services share the admin load after a death, but they cover different organisations. Using both together gives the broadest coverage and prevents you repeating painful details.

• Tell Us Once (government): Reports the death to key public bodies in England, Scotland and Wales, including HMRC, DWP, the Passport Office, DVLA, your local council, Veterans UK and (where relevant) Social Security Scotland, plus certain public sector pension schemes. You usually get a unique reference from the registrar and must use it within 28 days, online or by phone. Free to use.

• Death Notification Service (banks and finance): A free, UK-wide online service that passes the death details to participating banks, building societies and finance firms. It’s a notification-only gateway; the firms then contact the executor/next of kin to explain next steps.

These services don’t notify private companies like utilities, insurers or landlords, and they don’t redirect post. We’ll cover those simple next steps later in this guide.

Step 2. Check eligibility, timing and what each service covers

Before you begin, confirm you can use each service and what they’ll handle for you. This avoids delays and helps you decide the right order to use Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK.

• Tell Us Once (eligibility and timing): Available if the person who died was living in England, Scotland or Wales (including if they died abroad temporarily). You can use it once the death is registered, or if it’s been reported to a coroner and you have a final or interim death certificate. If there’s an inquest, you can still ask a registrar for a unique reference using the interim certificate. You must use the Tell Us Once reference within 28 days. Not available if the person was living in Northern Ireland or living abroad permanently.

• Tell Us Once (what it covers): Notifies major government bodies in one go: HMRC, DWP, Passport Office, DVLA, the local council (for Council Tax/Blue Badge/electoral register), Veterans UK, Social Security Scotland (where relevant), and certain public sector pension schemes.

• Death Notification Service (eligibility and timing): Free to use online for notifying participating UK banks, building societies and finance firms. It’s a notification-only gateway; each firm will then contact the executor/administrator/next of kin about documents (for example, a death certificate) and next steps. There’s no fixed deadline, but using it promptly helps prevent errors, fees and potential fraud. Helpline: 0333 207 6574 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:30).

• Death Notification Service (what it covers): Participating financial organisations only. It does not notify government bodies, utilities, insurers, landlords or employers (we cover these later).

Step 3. Gather the information and documents you’ll need

A little preparation makes Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK fast and stress‑free. Put the essentials in one place so you’re not searching mid‑form, and only share details you have permission to give. If a coroner’s inquest is underway, keep the interim death certificate to hand.

For Tell Us Once

Have the registrar’s reference and the deceased’s key details ready. You may also need information about their benefits, licences and pensions.

• Tell Us Once reference: The unique code from the registrar (use within 28 days).
• Deceased’s details: Surname and the date they died.
• Executor/administrator: Name, address and contact details.
• Spouse/civil partner: Name, address, phone, and NI number or date of birth (if applicable).
• Next of kin: If no spouse/partner or they cannot deal with affairs.
• Place of death care: Hospital, care home or hospice name and address (if relevant).
• Optional but helpful: Passport number and town of birth; driving licence number; vehicle registration numbers; local council name and services used (e.g., Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Blue Badge number); benefits/State Pension details; Armed Forces scheme details; public sector pension scheme details.
• National Insurance number: Only required if they were getting money from or paying into specified public sector schemes (e.g., NHS Pensions, SPPA, PPF/FAS, LGPS). Otherwise not required, but providing it can speed matching.
• Permission to share: Get consent before giving details of a surviving spouse/partner, next of kin, executor/administrator or anyone who claimed joint benefits.

For the Death Notification Service (DNS)

DNS is notification‑only; member banks/building societies will then contact you with next steps and documents they need.

• Your details: Name and contact details of the person reporting the death (executor/administrator/next of kin).
• Deceased’s details: Full name, date of birth and date of death.
• Financial providers: The banks/building societies/finance firms to notify (list what you know; it’s fine if you don’t have everything).
• Useful extras: Account numbers (if to hand), a certified copy of the death certificate (banks will usually ask later), the will/codicil, and any Grant of Representation/Certificate of Confirmation if already obtained.
• Timing tip: Notify promptly to reduce fees, errors and fraud risk; banks will explain how to send documents (often securely online or by post).

Step 4. Use Tell Us Once online, by phone or via the registrar

Once you have the unique Tell Us Once reference from the registrar, you can complete the notification online, by phone, or have the registrar do it with you at the registration appointment. Use the code within 28 days and keep any confirmation they give you.

1. At the registrar (face to face): In many areas the registrar completes Tell Us Once with you straight after registering the death. They’ll confirm which services to notify, send the notification immediately and give you a confirmation letter.

2. Online (self‑service): Use your unique reference to access the Tell Us Once form. Have the details listed in Step 3 ready, and only share information you have permission to give. Submit the form and relevant departments will be notified; HMRC and DWP may contact you about tax, benefits and entitlements.

3. By phone (assisted): Call the number provided by the registrar. If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, Relay UK is available; British Sign Language users can use video relay from a computer. Keep your reference and details to hand.

If an inquest is underway, you can still ask a registrar for a Tell Us Once reference using an interim death certificate from the coroner and complete the process now.

Step 5. Who Tell Us Once informs on your behalf

When you complete Tell Us Once, the service securely passes the death details to major government bodies and certain public sector pension schemes so records are updated, benefits and licences are cancelled, and letters stop. HMRC and DWP may then contact you about the person’s tax, benefits and entitlements. Note this does not cover private companies or most workplace pensions.

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): Personal tax; cancels benefits/credits (for example, Child Benefit).
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): Cancels benefits and entitlements (for example, Universal Credit, State Pension).
• Passport Office: Cancels a British passport.
• DVLA: Cancels driving licence, removes the person as keeper of up to 5 vehicles and ends vehicle tax.
• Local council: Cancels Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, updates council housing services, cancels Blue Badge and removes from the electoral register.
• Veterans UK: Cancels or updates Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments.
• Social Security Scotland: Cancels Scottish Government benefits (for example, Scottish Child Payment), where relevant.

Public sector pension schemes Tell Us Once can notify:

• Armed Forces Pension Scheme
• NHS Pensions (England & Wales)
• Scottish Public Pension Agency schemes (NHS staff, teachers, police, firefighters)
• Pension Protection Fund and Financial Assistance Scheme
• Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS)

You’ll still need to contact banks, insurers, utilities, landlords and most private/workplace pensions separately—DNS and our later steps help with these.

Step 6. Use the Death Notification Service to notify banks and finance firms

The Death Notification Service UK is a free, secure online service that notifies participating banks, building societies and finance firms in one go. It’s notification‑only: once submitted, each firm will contact the executor/administrator/next of kin with next steps and any documents they need. If you have trouble creating an account, call the DNS helpline on 0333 207 6574 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:30).

1. Prepare details: Have your contact info, the deceased’s full name, date of birth and date of death, and a list of their banks/financial providers (account numbers optional).
2. Create an account and start the form: Enter your details and your relationship to the deceased (you should be the executor/administrator/next of kin or have their permission).
3. Select providers to notify: Choose the member organisations you recognise from the list.
4. Submit the notification: You’ll receive confirmation from DNS; the firms you selected are then notified.
5. Respond to each firm: They will reach out to explain how to send required documents (typically a death certificate, and where applicable a will or Grant of Representation/Certificate of Confirmation).

Use DNS promptly to reduce errors, fees and fraud risk. If a provider isn’t listed, you’ll need to notify them directly (we cover other organisations later in this guide).

Step 7. Which banks and finance firms use the Death Notification Service

The Death Notification Service covers a wide range of UK banks, building societies and finance brands, and the roster can change. When you complete the DNS form, you’ll see a current list of member organisations to select. Look for both the brand and its parent company, and add every relevant name you recognise. If a provider isn’t listed, you’ll need to contact them directly via their bereavement team.

Examples of firms that use the Death Notification Service include:

• Barclays and Barclaycard
• Bank of Scotland
• Birmingham Midshires
• Cahoot
• Black Horse Finance
• Cater Allen
• NatWest

Participation spans high‑street banking, credit cards, private banking and motor finance. Because membership can change, always rely on the live list within the DNS process rather than a printed list. If you’re unsure which brand to pick, select the household brand and the group name (for example, a credit card and its banking parent) to maximise coverage. Where a provider isn’t on DNS, notify them yourself as soon as you can to stop fees, interest and communications.

Step 8. Costs: what’s free, what might cost, and paid alternatives

Good news first: both Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK are free. Using them together won’t cost you anything and can help avoid unnecessary fees from missed cancellations or continued billing while you’re grieving.

• Tell Us Once: Free service provided via the registrar, online or by phone.
• Death Notification Service (DNS): Free, online notification gateway for member banks/building societies (helpline 0333 207 6574, Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30).

What you might pay for sits outside the services themselves:

• Document requirements: If a death certificate is issued outside the UK or not in English, banks may need a certified translation, which can involve a fee (NatWest guidance).
• Estate administration: Solicitors and bank‑partnered estate administration services charge for handling the estate (for example, NatWest’s service via Hugh James Solicitors).
• Other admin tasks: You’ll still need to deal with non‑member companies and practicalities (we cover these later), which may include costs depending on what’s needed.

Cost‑saving tip: many banks can pay a funeral invoice or Inheritance Tax directly from the deceased’s account where funds allow; ask the bereavement team for their process before paying upfront (per NatWest guidance). If you prefer a paid, single‑portal approach beyond DNS coverage, third‑party notification platforms exist—compare pricing, coverage and data protections before you buy.

Step 9. If you can’t use these services or need to tell others (utilities, insurers, landlords)

Sometimes Tell Us Once or the Death Notification Service won’t cover everyone you need to inform. This includes when a provider isn’t a DNS member, or for private companies Tell Us Once doesn’t contact. If you’re not eligible for Tell Us Once (for example, the person lived in Northern Ireland or abroad permanently), you’ll need to notify organisations individually.

• Government (if not using Tell Us Once): HMRC, DWP, Passport Office, DVLA and the local council (Council Tax, Blue Badge, electoral register).
• Finance not on DNS: Any banks/building societies, credit cards, loans, savings, investments and motor finance outside the DNS list.
• Household and services: Gas, electricity, water, broadband/landline/mobile, TV services and TV licence.
• Property and housing: Landlord or housing association, mortgage provider, home insurer and leasehold/freeholder where relevant.
• Work and pensions: Employer, personal/workplace pension schemes (unless covered by the public sector schemes Tell Us Once notifies).
• Other commitments: Vehicle insurer, vehicle ownership/tax changes, private medical/insurance policies, subscriptions, memberships and charities with regular donations.
• Education and business: Student Loans Company; HMRC for any business taxes.

Ask each organisation’s bereavement team to freeze accounts, stop interest/fees where possible and issue final bills. Keep a simple log of calls, dates and reference numbers, and have copies of the death certificate ready. We’ll cover mail redirection and junk mail suppression next to reduce post and fraud risk.

Step 10. Reduce post and fraud risk (mail redirection and junk mail suppression)

Unwanted letters after a death are upsetting and can raise the risk of identity theft. Even after Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK, some marketing mail will continue, and official mail can still arrive at the empty property. Tell Us Once does not arrange mail redirection or direct mail suppression, so take a few extra steps to protect the estate and spare distress.

• Set up a postal redirection: Redirect the deceased’s post to the executor or next of kin so sensitive documents don’t sit at an unattended address.
• Use a junk mail suppression service: Register the deceased’s name and address to stop advertising mailings; bereavement advice organisations can arrange this.
• Ask firms to remove marketing data: When you notify companies (banks, utilities, insurers), request removal from all marketing lists as well as account closure.
• Return to sender courteously: Mark envelopes “deceased – please update your records” to prompt list updates.
• Secure and minimise paperwork: Store essential ID and statements safely; dispose of unneeded documents carefully once no longer required.
• Leverage Tell Us Once outcomes: It removes the person from the electoral register via the local council, which helps reduce future mailings.

These small actions, alongside Tell Us Once and DNS, cut post at source and reduce fraud exposure.

Step 11. Safety, data protection and legitimacy: is it safe to use?

Yes. Tell Us Once is an official government service delivered by registrars and local authorities on behalf of the DWP and accessed via GOV.UK. The Death Notification Service (DNS) is a free, recognised notification gateway used by major UK banks and finance brands, with a helpdesk on 0333 207 6574 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:30). Neither service will ever ask for payment or your online banking login.

Tell Us Once only shares the necessary details with listed government bodies and specified public sector pension schemes. DNS securely passes a notification to the member firms you choose; each provider then contacts the executor/administrator/next of kin for documents. Only provide details you have permission to share (for example, about a surviving spouse or executor).

• Use official routes: Start Tell Us Once via the registrar/GOV.UK with your unique 28‑day reference; use the DNS portal or its helpline if unsure.
• Never share banking passwords/PINs: Neither service needs them.
• Provide only necessary data: Keep to what’s requested and permitted.
• Keep proofs: Save confirmation letters/emails and reference numbers.
• Verify contacts: If in doubt, call the organisation’s public bereavement number before sending documents.

Step 12. Special situations and FAQs (inquests, death abroad, Northern Ireland, no NI number)

Real life is rarely tidy. If your situation doesn’t fit the “standard” path, these quick answers show how Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK apply, and what to do instead when they don’t.

• If there’s an inquest (coroner): You can still use Tell Us Once. Ask a registrar for a unique reference and use an interim death certificate from the coroner. Complete it within 28 days.

• Death abroad (temporary trip): If the person normally lived in England, Scotland or Wales, you can use Tell Us Once even if they died while abroad on holiday or business (once you have the necessary certificate).

• Lived abroad permanently: You cannot use Tell Us Once. Notify UK organisations individually. For UK bank/building society accounts, you can still notify participating firms via the DNS.

• Northern Ireland: Tell Us Once is not available if the person lived in Northern Ireland when they died. Use NI services and inform organisations directly. DNS can still help with participating banks.

• No National Insurance number: Not a blocker. It’s only needed if the person was paying into or receiving certain public sector pensions (NHS Pensions, SPPA, PPF/FAS, LGPS). Otherwise it’s optional but can speed matching.

• No passport/licence details: Optional for Tell Us Once. Provide them if you have them; the service can proceed without.

• Vehicles and property after Tell Us Once: DVLA and councils are notified, but you may still need to handle practical follow‑ups (for example, selling or taxing a vehicle, updating property records).

Step 13. What happens next after you’ve notified organisations

After Tell Us Once, the departments you selected update their records and stop services. HMRC and DWP will contact you about any tax, benefits and entitlements due or to be repaid. Passports and driving licences are cancelled, local councils update Council Tax Reduction, Blue Badge and the electoral register. Keep your confirmation and answer any follow‑up queries promptly.

After using the Death Notification Service, each bank or finance firm you chose will get in touch with the executor/administrator/next of kin. Expect requests for a death certificate, the will/codicil and, if needed, a Grant of Representation/Certificate of Confirmation. Many banks immediately protect sole accounts and update joint accounts; some can pay a funeral invoice or Inheritance Tax directly from the deceased’s funds (for example, using form IHT423, per NatWest guidance). You may receive a case reference in a condolence letter.

• Track progress: Keep a simple log of who’s informed, dates and reference numbers.
• Send documents securely: Use the methods each organisation specifies; never share online banking logins.
• Handle follow‑ups: Vehicles and property may need action beyond cancellations; contact DVLA or Land Registry as required.
• Pensions not covered: Notify any private/workplace schemes not reached by Tell Us Once.
• Manage estate funds: An executor account can help collect money in and pay estate bills.

Step 14. How Go Direct Cremations supports you alongside notifications

While Tell Us Once and the Death Notification Service UK take care of notifications, we look after everything to do with the person in our care and guide you through the practicalities. Our team works 24/7, offering calm, step‑by‑step help so you can focus on what matters.

• Immediate, nationwide care: 24/7 collection from any hospital in mainland England, Scotland or Wales, with respectful washing and preparation.
• Paperwork guidance: Clear advice on registering the death, coroner/interim certificates and what to gather for Tell Us Once and DNS.
• Straightforward admin: We issue a clear funeral invoice and can explain how many banks pay funeral costs directly from the estate where funds allow.
• Simple, dignified cremation: Unattended direct cremation with an eco‑friendly coffin at trusted crematoria.
• Ashes your way: Personal delivery or scattering in a garden of remembrance—you choose.
• Complex cases handled: Experience with overseas deaths, coroner involvement and organ donation.
• Transparent pricing: A fair base price with clearly listed, optional extras only when needed.

If you need gentle guidance at any point—day or night—our team is here to help alongside your notifications.

Step 15. Useful links and contact details (Tell Us Once, DNS helpline, bereavement teams)

When you’re ready to act, these official contacts help you move quickly and safely. Keep any reference numbers you’re given and note call times to avoid delays.

• Tell Us Once (GOV.UK): Start online and use your registrar’s unique reference within 28 days. Phone access is via the number the registrar gives you. Accessibility includes Relay UK and a BSL video relay service.
• Find your local register office (GOV.UK): Book/register and request a Tell Us Once reference if an inquest means you have an interim certificate.
• Death Notification Service (banks): Free notification gateway. Helpline 0333 207 6574 (Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:30) if you need help creating an account.
• HMRC bereavement and deceased estate (GOV.UK): Contact for personal tax queries after a death.
• DVLA – tell DVLA about a bereavement (GOV.UK): Guidance for vehicles, tax and licences.
• Student Loans Company (GOV.UK): Student loan cancellation guidance if the customer has died.
• Council bereavement services (GOV.UK): Find local help and support.
• Example bank bereavement team (NatWest): 0800 161 5903 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm, excluding bank holidays); from overseas +44 1204 684 658. Other banks publish similar bereavement lines on their websites.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or speech‑impaired, Relay UK works with most helplines listed above. Only use official sites and numbers, and never share banking passwords or PINs.

Next steps

Take a breath, then move in small, clear steps. First, pull together the details listed in this guide. Use Tell Us Once with your registrar’s reference to notify government departments, then complete the Death Notification Service to reach participating banks and finance firms. After that, contact any organisations not covered (utilities, insurers, landlords), set up mail redirection and junk mail suppression, and keep a simple log of who you’ve told and any reference numbers. Respond promptly to bereavement teams and send documents by their preferred secure routes.

If you’d value calm, practical help alongside a dignified, low‑cost cremation, our 24/7 team can guide you through paperwork and timelines while we care for your loved one. When you’re ready, speak to Go Direct Cremations for straightforward support and next steps.