The U.S. Department of State provides consular assistance when a U.S. citizen dies abroad. Consular officers help notify next of kin, issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA), assist with repatriation of remains, and handle the deceased's personal effects. The CRDA serves as proof of death for estate settlement purposes in the United States.

Death notification

When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, local hospitals or police typically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular officers then attempt to locate and notify the next of kin. If you learn of a U.S. citizen's death abroad before the embassy contacts you, call Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). These lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Deadline: As soon as possible; CRDA processing takes 4 to 6 months

Survivor benefits

The State Department offers 3 benefits for surviving family members.

Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA)

The U.S. embassy or consulate issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad, which serves as proof of death for settling estates in the United States. The CRDA is an official document with the same legal standing as a domestic death certificate for most purposes. Available as a paper document or PDF with digital signature and seal.

Amount: $50 per certified copy for existing records

Repatriation of Remains

The consulate assists with arranging the return of the deceased's remains to the United States, including coordinating with local funeral homes and preparing required documents. The State Department cannot pay for repatriation — all costs are the family's responsibility. Families may also choose local burial or cremation abroad.

Provisional Conservatorship of Personal Effects

When no legal representative is present in the country, a consular officer may serve as provisional conservator of the deceased's estate abroad. The officer can take possession of and inventory personal effects, appraise the estate, and pay local debts using estate funds. Officers cannot take possession of dangerous or illegal items, withdraw bank funds, or cash checks.

When someone dies

Notifying the State Department after a death

6-step process, 6 required documents, and 3 survivor benefits.

View details →

Frequently asked questions

No. The State Department cannot pay to return a U.S. citizen's remains or ashes to the United States. All repatriation costs are the family's responsibility. The consulate assists with coordinating logistics and preparing required documents.

Submit Form DS-5542 (notarized) with copies of your photo ID and $50 per copy to the Passport Vital Records Section at PO Box 1213, Sterling, VA 20166-1213. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks. CRDAs from 1975 onward are available.