Register a death

Tell Us Once service

The Tell Us Once service (TUO) is a free service which enables you to report a death to one government department in one go. The report is sent to all the right central and local government departments on your behalf.

The report is then distributed to central and local government services. This saves you from having to tell each service one by one. It is a secure and confidential process.

The organisations that receive your report include:

Council services

  • Council housing
  • Housing benefits,
  • Council Tax,
  • Concessionary travel (Blue Badge)
  • Electoral registrations.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  • Personal tax
  • Updates to Child Benefit and Tax Credits claims.

You will need to contact HMRC for business taxes.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  • Update benefits information. For example: State Pension, Universal Credit.

Passport Office

  • To cancel an active British passport.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

  • To cancel an active driving licence
  • To remove registered keeper details (for up to five vehicles).

Public Sector or Armed Forces Pension Schemes

  • To update pension records.

Signing up for the TUO service

When using the TUO service you will need to provide the deceased's:

  • Date of birth
  • Home address
  • National Insurance number
  • Driving licence number
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Passport number.

You may also need to provide:

  • Details of any benefits they were receiving. This includes State Pension or Universal Credit.
  • The name and address of their next of kin.
  • The name and address of any surviving spouse or civil partner.
  • Contact details of the executor or administrator. This is the person or company dealing with the deceased's estate. In other words, their property, things, and money.
  • Any public sector or armed forces pension schemes they were receiving.
  • Details of any local council services they were receiving. For example: Adult Social Services, Blue Badge or travel pass.

A video overview of the TUO service

 A TUO video for BSL users

How can I use the TUO service?

When you register a death we provide you with a unique TUO reference number. You can use this number to access the TUO service online.

I have an interim death certificate, can I still use the TUO service?

Yes, if you have an interim death certificate, you may still use the TUO service. A registrar will tell you how you can do this.

Will I be contacted after I use the TUO service?

Agencies may contact the bereaved family. They will do so if they need more information.

Will TUO be able to redirect mail?

No, TUO does not notify any businesses. So it cannot arrange for redirection of post.

What if the deceased was claiming joint benefits?

You will need permission from the next of kin, the executor, the administrator, or anyone claiming benefits with the person who died.