Tell Us Once service
Reporting a death using the Tell us Once service - video
Following the registration of a death, several government departments and local services will need to be told.
Once the death is registered, the registrar will issue you with a Tell Us Once reference number. You can go online or call the DWP for free. On your behalf they'll tell most government and local government departments that the death has taken place.
The informant has the option of contacting the Department of Work and Pensions online or by phone on 0800 083 7308.
You have 28 days to use this service after registering the death.
If a coroner is involved
Sometimes the doctor has to refer the death to the coroner so they can investigate.
The death can't be registered until the coroner has finished their investigation. The Coroner's Office will tell you when you can arrange an appointment to register the death.
If an inquest hearing has to be held, then the Coroner will register the death. You will be able to order death certificates once the hearing is complete.
We also offer bereavement services.
Emergency death registration service
Available 9–11.30am on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day).
Call 0300 123 4045.
Our emergency registrar will only issue a certificate for a funeral or cremation to proceed (Form 9) if:
- a valid Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death (MCCD) has been sent to the Registrar from the Medical Examiner
- the cause of death on the MCCD does not require a referral to the coroner
- the funeral is due to take place at the weekend.
You must still book an appointment to register the death as soon as possible.