The Tell Us Once service is a free government service that simplifies the process of reporting a death.
What This Guide Contains
1. How the Tell Us Once Service Works
Instead of contacting each government department separately, you can make one single notification that automatically informs major organisations such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA, and local councils.
This helps reduce stress and paperwork at an already difficult time. However, remember that private companies (like banks and insurance providers) are not included and you must contact them yourself.
- Register the Death
- You start by registering the death with a local registrar.
- Get a Reference Number
- The registrar will help you complete the Tell Us Once process on the spot or give you a unique reference number.
- You have 28 days to use this reference number.
- Use the Service
- Complete the service What to do after someone dies: Tell Us Once – GOV.UK
- It automatically informs key government departments, such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA, and the Passport Office, so you don’t have to contact them separately.
- What the DVLA Will Do
- Cancels the driving licence of the deceased.
- Updates or cancels vehicle tax.
- Removes the deceased as the registered keeper of up to 5 vehicles.
2. Warning: Who It Won’t Inform
Tell Us Once does not notify:
- Banks, Building Societies, or Mortgage Providers
- Insurance Companies (e.g., car, home, life)
- Private Pensions (not included in the list of public schemes)
- Private Number Plate Transfers (more on this below)
3. Important Note on Private Number Plates
If the deceased had a private number plate, Tell Us Once will still notify the DVLA of the death and the vehicle details. However, there may be extra steps if you:
- To keep the plate, you must follow the standard DVLA process to transfer or retain a private plate.
- If you plan to sell the plate or the vehicle, you must ensure that ownership documents are updated and any required retention fees are paid.
Sometimes, using Tell Us Once could momentarily complicate private plate transfers if the DVLA has already updated records. Always check with the DVLA before changing private plates or the vehicle registration.
4. Who Can Use It?
- Where: England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Requirements: You must have registered the death or have an interim or final death certificate.
- Not Eligible: If the deceased lived in Northern Ireland or abroad permanently.
5. Key Information You’ll Need
- Unique Reference Number (from the registrar).
- Name and date of death of the deceased.
- Details of any spouse, civil partner, or next of kin (with permission).
- Vehicle registration numbers (if the deceased owned a vehicle).
- Driving licence number (if they had one).
- Passport number (if they had a British passport).
6. Contact Details for Main Departments
| Organisation | Phone Number (UK) | Website |
|---|---|---|
| HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)Personal tax, Child Benefit, tax credits | 0300 200 3300 (main helpline) | HMRC Bereavement Guidance |
| Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)Benefits, State Pension | 0800 731 0469 (Bereavement) | Bereavement Support Payment |
| HM Passport OfficeCancelling British passports | 0300 222 0000 | HM Passport Office |
| Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)Driving licence, vehicle tax | 0300 790 6802 (Drivers’ Enquiries) | DVLA Bereavement Guidance |
| Local CouncilCouncil Tax, Housing Benefit, Blue Badge, electoral register | Varies by local council | Find Your Local Council |
| Veterans UKArmed Forces Compensation Scheme | 0808 1914 2 18 | Veterans UK |
| Social Security ScotlandScottish Child Payment, Best Start Grants | 0800 182 2222 | Social Security Scotland |
Public Sector Pension Schemes Contacted by Tell Us Once:
| Pension Scheme | Phone Number (UK) | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Pension Scheme | 0800 085 3600 | Armed Forces Pension Guidance |
| NHS Pensions (England & Wales) | 0300 330 1346 | NHS Pensions |
| Scottish Public Pension AgencyNHS staff, teachers, police, firefighters | 01896 893 000 | Scottish Public Pension Agency |
| Pension Protection Fund (PPF) | 0330 123 2222 | Pension Protection Fund |
| Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) | 0330 123 2222 | Financial Assistance Scheme |
| Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS) | Varies by local authority | LGPS Member |
7. Pros & Cons of Using Tell Us Once
Pros
- Saves Time: Notifies multiple government departments at once.
- Less Stress: Avoids repeating the same details.
- Clear Vehicle Updates: DVLA is informed about licence and vehicle tax changes.
Cons
- Not for Everyone: Not available if the deceased lived permanently in Northern Ireland or abroad.
- Doesn’t Cover Private Organisations: You must still inform banks, insurance providers, utility companies, etc.
- Private Number Plates: You can require additional steps to keep or transfer a plate.
- Deadline: Must use the unique reference number within 28 days.
8. What If You Don’t Use It?
- You’ll need to contact each organisation individually—such as HMRC, DWP, DVLA, local council, and more.
- This can be time-consuming and involves repeating information multiple times.
This article is 100% original and written as a companion guide to UK laws on personal chattels and probate.
📌 Need help? Visit the UK government or speak to a probate solicitor for legal advice. 🚗
Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute professional legal advice. It is intended to guide you in handling a deceased person’s vehicle within the legal framework. Our expertise lies in vehicle valuation and assisting with the necessary processes, but we are not solicitors. Before acting, Visit our Directory of Recommended Probate Solicitors for expert legal support.