Step 1: Get the medical certificate
A doctor must certify the death and issue the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD). For an expected death at home, call the GP surgery; in hospital or a care home, staff arrange it. The certificate is now sent electronically to the local register office, but ask for the register office details anyway. If the death was sudden, unexplained or accidental, the coroner takes over — you cannot register until they complete their part, but an interim certificate is usually available so admin can begin.
Step 2: Register the death within 5 days
Book an appointment with the register office for the district where the person died. A relative, someone present at the death, or the person arranging the funeral can register. Bring the medical certificate (if you have it), the person's birth certificate, marriage certificate and NHS card if available, and your own ID. Death certificates cost £12.50 each — order several, as banks, pension providers and insurers often want originals. Full details in how to register a death.
Step 3: Use Tell Us Once
At the end of the registration appointment the registrar gives you a unique reference for Tell Us Once — the government service that informs DWP, HMRC, the Passport Office, DVLA and the local council in one submission, online or by phone. It stops state pension, benefits and tax codes, and cancels the passport and driving licence. It does not contact banks, private pensions or utilities — that is step 6.
Step 4: Arrange the funeral
Check the will and any letter of wishes first — many people record burial or cremation preferences, and executors technically control the funeral arrangements. Funeral directors can be booked before registration; the funeral itself waits for the paperwork. If money is tight, ask about direct cremation and check whether the estate, a prepaid funeral plan, or the DWP Funeral Expenses Payment can cover costs.
Step 5: Find the will and secure everything
Search the home, files and email for a will; ask their solicitor, bank or will-writing service; check the National Will Register. The will names the executor — the person with authority to act. Meanwhile, lock up the property, redirect post, and make sure buildings and contents insurance stays in force (tell the insurer the property is empty if it is).
Step 6: Tell banks, pensions and utilities
Notify banks and building societies (they freeze sole accounts on notification), pension providers, insurers, subscription services, utilities and the electoral roll. Joint accounts usually pass straight to the surviving holder. More detail in what happens to bank accounts after a death.
Step 7: Work out whether probate is needed
Not every estate needs probate — jointly owned assets pass automatically and small balances are often released on the death certificate alone. Use our probate checker for a quick answer, then the full probate guide and executor checklist for the process.