How to guide
Why this matters
Identity thieves target the recently deceased, opening fraudulent accounts using their Social Security numbers. Notifying the credit bureaus places a "deceased" flag that prevents new accounts from being opened.
Step by step
- Notify each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You only need to notify one technically (they share death notices), but notifying all three is safer.
- Send a written letter to each bureau with: the deceased's name, SSN, date of birth, date of death, last known address, a certified death certificate, your name and relationship, and your government ID.
- Equifax: P.O. Box 105139, Atlanta, GA 30348-5139. Experian: P.O. Box 9701, Allen, TX 75013. TransUnion: P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016.
- Request a credit report after notification (about 60 days later) to verify the "deceased" flag is in place and to identify any existing accounts you may have missed.
- Report any suspected fraud immediately to the bureau, the bank or credit card company involved, and to identitytheft.gov.
- Cancel known credit cards in writing once the death has been recorded.
- Notify the IRS to prevent tax identity theft using IRS Form 4490 or by contacting the IRS identity protection unit.
Forms you will need
- Written notification letter to each bureau
- Certified death certificate
State by state notes
Credit freezes after death work the same in every state. Federal law requires bureaus to honor written notice with a death certificate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Notifying only one bureau. The flag should propagate, but not always.
- Not requesting a follow up credit report. This catches both fraudulent accounts and accounts you did not know existed.
- Forgetting authorized user cards. Authorized users do not own the debt, but the card may still be active in their name.
What to do if you get stuck
If you find evidence of identity theft, file a report at identitytheft.gov and with local police. Notify the affected banks immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Why freeze the credit of someone who died?
To prevent identity theft. Thieves target the deceased because notification gaps mean fraud can go undetected for months.
How long does it take to take effect?
Bureaus typically process the deceased flag within 7 to 14 days of receiving the death certificate.
Do I need to do this if there is no estate?
Yes. Identity theft can happen to anyone, regardless of estate size, and it creates problems for survivors even after death.
Should I cancel credit cards too?
Yes. Notify each card issuer in writing once the death has been recorded, and request the account be closed and marked as "account closed at customer's death."
What about the deceased's credit report?
Request one from each bureau after notification. This shows all open accounts so you can close them and reveals any fraudulent activity.