Notifying the State Department when someone dies
Local authorities or U.S. embassy/consulate is responsible for notifying the State Department
Overseas Citizens Services
Phone1-888-407-4747
WebsiteVisit website →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Vital Records (CRDA Copies)
Phone202-485-8300
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Overseas Citizens Services (Emergency)
Phone1-888-407-4747
Timeline
4 to 6 months for CRDA; 4 to 8 weeks for certified copy requests
WebsiteLearn more →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Verified Mar 2026
When someone dies, the U.S. Department of State (State Department) must be notified. The local authorities or U.S. embassy/consulate is responsible for notifying the State Department.
Notification deadline: As soon as possible; CRDA processing takes 4 to 6 months.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the State Department and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate (if not already notified):
- •From the U.S. or Canada: call 1-888-407-4747
- •From abroad: call +1-202-501-4444
- •Both lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
2
The consulate issues a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA). Processing takes 4 to 6 months depending on the country. A foreign death certificate or local finding of death is required.
3
Decide on disposition of remains:
- •Repatriation to the United States (family pays all costs)
- •Local burial in the country of death
- •Local cremation in the country of death
- •The consulate provides lists of local funeral homes
4
If repatriating remains, the following documents are prepared:
- •Consular Mortuary Certificate (prepared by the consular officer)
- •Local death certificate (issued by local authorities)
- •Affidavit from the local funeral director confirming casket contents
- •Transit permit from local health authorities
5
Handle the deceased's personal effects and estate abroad:
- •The consulate may serve as provisional conservator if no legal representative is in-country
- •Submit Form DS-5511 (Affidavit for the Surviving Spouse or Next of Kin) for release of small estates
- •The consulate can inventory and ship personal effects using estate funds
6
Request certified copies of the CRDA by submitting Form DS-5542 to the Passport Vital Records Section. Include a notarized form, copies of photo ID, and $50 per copy.
Required Documents
- Foreign death certificate or local finding of death
- Deceased's U.S. passport (if available)
- Form DS-5542 (Request for Copy of CRDA) — notarized
- Front and back copies of valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID)
- Form DS-5511 (Affidavit for Surviving Spouse or Next of Kin) — for estate release
- Payment of $50 per certified copy (check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State)
Timeline
4 to 6 months for CRDA; 4 to 8 weeks for certified copy requests
Survivor benefits
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.
Eligibility: Next of kin or legal representative of a deceased U.S. citizen who died abroad
Amount: $50 per certified copy for existing records
How to apply: The consulate initiates the CRDA after a death is reported; certified copies can be requested by submitting Form DS-5542
Learn more →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.
Eligibility: Family of a deceased U.S. citizen who died abroad
How to apply: Coordinate with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the death occurred
Learn more →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.
Eligibility: Estates of U.S. citizens who died abroad with no legal representative in-country
How to apply: Handled automatically by the consulate; Form DS-5511 (Affidavit for the Surviving Spouse or Next of Kin) may be required for release of small estates
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
Local hospitals or police notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular officers attempt to locate and notify the next of kin. The consulate assists with issuing a Consular Report of Death Abroad, arranging repatriation of remains or local burial, and handling personal effects.
A CRDA is an official document issued by the U.S. Department of State that serves as proof of death for settling estates in the United States. It has the same legal standing as a domestic death certificate for most purposes. Processing takes 4 to 6 months depending on the country.
Call Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). Both lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provide the deceased's name, location, and any details you have.
When no legal representative is in-country, a consular officer may serve as provisional conservator. The officer can inventory personal effects, appraise the estate, and pay local debts using estate funds. Officers cannot take dangerous or illegal items, withdraw bank funds, or cash checks.
Embalming may not be required if a death certificate accompanies the remains stating the cause was not a quarantinable disease, and the remains are in a leak-proof container. Requirements vary by country and airline. The consulate can advise on local requirements.
Yes. The CRDA serves as proof of death for estate settlement, insurance claims, and other legal purposes in the United States. It provides essential facts about the death and is an official U.S. government document.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 3 benefits through the State Department. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the State Department. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
Overseas Citizens Services
Phone1-888-407-4747
WebsiteVisit website →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Vital Records (CRDA Copies)
Phone202-485-8300
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Overseas Citizens Services (Emergency)
Phone1-888-407-4747
Timeline
4 to 6 months for CRDA; 4 to 8 weeks for certified copy requests
WebsiteLearn more →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Verified Mar 2026