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

How many death certificates do I need?

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

Ordering enough death certificates at registration is one of the most practical things you can do as an executor. Each certified copy costs £11 in England and Wales (Source: GOV.UK, verified May 2026 — verify the current amount on GOV.UK). Re-ordering later is possible but slower and adds delay when you need documents returned quickly. Most executors need between 6 and 10 copies.

Who needs an original certified copy?

The table below shows which organisations need an original certified copy of the death certificate and which will accept alternatives.

Organisation type Original needed? Notes
Bank or building society Yes — one per institution Some return it; others keep it
Mortgage lender Yes Notify promptly — mortgage payments continue
Life insurance / over-50s plan Yes Required before any claim can be assessed
HMRC (for IHT400) Yes Required for inheritance tax reporting
Pension provider Yes — one per scheme Employer and private pensions each need one
Probate Registry (court) Yes Submitted with the probate application; the court keeps it
Share registrar / stockbroker Yes — one per registrar Each registrar (e.g. Computershare, Link) needs one
Council / local authority No Tell Us Once covers this
DVLA No Tell Us Once covers this
DWP No Tell Us Once covers this
Utility companies Usually no Some may ask for a copy; most accept notification without one
TV Licensing No Notification only required

How many should I order?

The standard advice is to order at least 5–10 copies at registration. Here is a worked example for a typical estate:

Example: estate with a house, 2 banks, 1 pension, 1 insurer

  • · Probate Registry — 1 copy
  • · Bank 1 — 1 copy
  • · Bank 2 — 1 copy
  • · Pension provider — 1 copy
  • · Life insurer — 1 copy
  • · HMRC (IHT) — 1 copy
  • · Spare copies in case of returns or additional requests — 2
  • Total8 copies

If the estate is larger — multiple banks, investments, share holdings, foreign assets — order more. Running short causes delays when organisations are waiting for documents to release funds.

Cost of ordering at registration vs later

Each certified copy costs £11 whether ordered at registration or later. However:

  • At registration, copies are printed on the spot and you take them home that day.
  • Re-ordering later requires an application to the General Register Office (GRO), which can take several weeks. During that time, estate administration can stall.

Order all the copies you need at registration. If you are unsure, order more than you think you need.

If you run out of death certificates

You can re-order certified copies of a death certificate from the General Register Office at any time. Go to gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate and select death certificate. The cost per copy is the same as at registration.

Frequently asked questions

How many death certificates should I order?
Order at least 5–10 certified copies at registration. Most executors handling a property and several financial accounts need 6–8. It is cheaper and faster to order everything you need at registration than to re-order later from the GRO.
How much does a death certificate copy cost?
Each certified copy costs £11 in England and Wales. Source: GOV.UK, verified May 2026. Verify the current amount on GOV.UK before ordering.
Can I order more death certificates later?
Yes. You can order additional copies at any time from the General Register Office at gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate. The cost per copy is the same, but re-ordering takes longer — sometimes several weeks — compared to ordering at registration.
Do banks keep the death certificate or return it?
It varies by bank. Some return the original; others keep it. Assume that copies will be kept when planning how many to order. Avoid posting originals where possible — ask whether the bank will accept a certified copy sent by secure post or scanned copy.

For the next steps once you have the certificates, see how to register a death and what to do when someone dies.

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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.