This guide explains the process in plain English. It is not legal advice. For complex situations, consult a qualified solicitor.

The Death Notification Service explained

Written by Settle Editorial Team · Updated May 2026 · 5 min read

The Death Notification Service (DNS) is a free online service that allows you to notify participating banks and building societies of a death in a single step. It is run by the Death Notification Service, a subsidiary of Equiniti Group, at deathnotificationservice.co.uk.

What the DNS does and doesn't do

What the DNS does What the DNS does NOT do
Notifies participating banks and building societies in one step Close accounts or transfer funds — you must contact each bank separately for that
Free online service, available 24/7 Cover utilities, insurers, pension providers, or HMRC
Triggers each bank's internal bereavement process Cover DWP, DVLA, council or government departments (use Tell Us Once for those)
Covers all accounts at each DNS member in one step Replace the need to contact the bank's bereavement team for account administration

Which banks are members?

DNS membership includes most major UK banks and building societies. As of 2026, members include: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide, Halifax, TSB, Starling, Monzo, First Direct, Virgin Money, and many building societies.

Membership changes over time. Always check the current full list of members at deathnotificationservice.co.uk before starting. If a bank is not in the DNS, you will need to contact them directly.

What you need to complete a DNS notification

  • The deceased's full name
  • Date of birth and date of death
  • Last address
  • Certified death certificate (to have details to hand)
  • Account numbers, if known — helpful but not always compulsory for every member bank
  • Your own details as the person reporting the death

How to use the DNS — step by step

  1. Register the death first. You will need the certified death certificate. Register the death at the local register office within five days of the register office receiving the MCCD.
  2. Visit deathnotificationservice.co.uk. The service is online. You do not need to call or post anything.
  3. Check the member list. Confirm which of the deceased's banks and building societies are DNS members before you start. Non-members will need to be notified separately.
  4. Complete the notification form. Enter the deceased's details, select the member banks you want to notify, and submit. The DNS sends the notification to each bank on your behalf.
  5. You will receive a confirmation. The DNS will confirm which banks have been notified. Keep this for your records.
  6. Each bank will contact you separately. After the DNS notification, each bank's bereavement team will reach out to deal with the accounts. This is separate from the DNS notification itself.

After DNS notification — what happens next

The DNS notification tells the bank that a death has occurred. It does not close accounts, transfer money, or resolve any balance. After the bank receives the notification:

  • Accounts are frozen. Banks freeze sole accounts on notification of a death, regardless of whether the notification comes via DNS or direct contact.
  • The bereavement team takes over. Each bank's bereavement team will write or call to explain their process for dealing with the accounts.
  • Probate may be required. If the balance exceeds the bank's internal threshold, they will need to see a Grant of Probate before releasing funds. Many banks can release smaller amounts without probate — ask the bereavement team.
  • Funeral costs and IHT. Many banks can release funds specifically for funeral costs or inheritance tax before probate is granted. Ask the bereavement team directly.

DNS and Tell Us Once — use both

The DNS covers banks and building societies. Tell Us Once covers government departments: HMRC, DWP, DVLA, Passport Office, the council, and public-sector pensions. These are two separate services and they do not overlap. Use both.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Death Notification Service free?
Yes. The DNS is completely free to use.
Does the DNS close the bank accounts?
No. The DNS only notifies participating banks that a death has occurred. It does not close accounts, release funds, or cancel direct debits. You will need to contact each bank separately to deal with the accounts themselves.
What information do I need to use the Death Notification Service?
You will need the deceased's full name, date of birth, date of death, and last address. A certified death certificate is needed to have the details to hand. Account numbers are helpful but not always compulsory — check the DNS website for current requirements.
Does the DNS cover HMRC and the council?
No. The DNS only covers participating banks and building societies. HMRC, the council, DVLA, Passport Office and DWP are covered by the separate Tell Us Once service.

For the full picture of who to notify after a death, see what to do when someone dies. For a step-by-step guide to using Tell Us Once alongside the DNS, see our Tell Us Once guide.

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Settle is an administrative organiser for executors in England and Wales. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. For complex estates, consult a qualified solicitor.