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. The State Department also cancels a deceased person's U.S. passport when the passport and a certified copy of the death certificate are submitted, and returns the canceled passport to the family on request.

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 as an e-CRDA (PDF with digital signature from the consular officer and digital seal from the embassy or consulate). Apostilles are available for CRDAs issued within the last five years.

Amount: $50 per certified copy; optional 1-2 day delivery within the U.S. for an additional $22.05

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. Entry into the U.S. requires documents confirming the deceased did not die from a quarantinable disease; see CDC guidelines on importation of human remains.

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, illegal, or bulky items, withdraw bank funds, or cash checks.

Forms

DS-5511Affidavit for the Surviving Spouse or Next of Kin

Establishes the surviving spouse or next of kin of a U.S. citizen who died abroad, used to authorize release of the deceased's personal effects and records held by the consulate.

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DS-5542Request for Overseas U.S. Citizen Vital Records Services

Requests certified copies of overseas U.S. citizen vital records, including the Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA), needed to settle the estate of a U.S. citizen who died overseas.

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When someone dies

Notifying the State Department after a death

7-step process, 7 required documents, and 3 survivor benefits.

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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 a notarized Form DS-5542 with front and back copies of valid photo ID and $50 per copy (check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State) to the Passport Vital Records Section at 44132 Mercure Cir., PO Box 1213, Sterling, VA 20166-1213. Optional 1-2 day delivery within the U.S. is available for an additional $22.05; First Class Mail is included at no extra charge. International requesters receive records at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks after receipt (mailing time of up to 4 weeks is not included). CRDAs from 1975 onward are available. Apostilles are available for CRDAs issued within the last five years.