Executor Guide
Notify Government Agencies
⏱ 1–2 weeks
Rules and timelines vary by state. This guide covers general steps that apply in most situations.
Consult an estate attorney in your state for specific legal requirements.
What you'll need
- Death certificate (certified copies)
- Deceased's Social Security number
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Passport number if applicable
- Voter registration information if applicable
Steps
- Social Security Administration — see the separate guide. This is typically the most time-sensitive.
- Department of Motor Vehicles — notify your state DMV to cancel the driver's license and prevent identity fraud. Most states allow this by mail with a certified death certificate.
- Passport — notify the U.S. Department of State to cancel the passport. Submit the passport along with Form DS-64 and a certified death certificate.
- Voter registration — notify your county or state election office to remove the deceased from voter rolls. This is often handled automatically through death certificate reporting but can be done directly.
- Veterans Administration — if the deceased was a veteran, contact the VA to stop benefits and ask about burial benefits and survivor benefits you may be eligible for.
- Medicare — if the deceased was enrolled in Medicare, notify them of the death. This is often handled automatically through Social Security notification but confirm separately.
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation — if the deceased had a pension from a company that went bankrupt, the PBGC may be administering it.
Tips
- Canceling government-issued ID documents promptly helps prevent identity theft.
- Veterans benefits can be significant — a burial allowance, burial flag, and grave marker are available at no cost for eligible veterans.
- Keep a log of every agency you contact, the date, and confirmation of the notification.
When to get professional help
If the deceased was receiving multiple government benefits, if there are survivor benefit decisions to make, or if there are any disputes, consult an elder law attorney or accredited claims agent for VA matters.