How to Notify Equifax of a Death

Key Takeaways

• You must send a written death notification to Equifax by mail.
• Proper documentation is required, including a death certificate and proof of authority.
• Notifying Equifax helps protect against identity theft and unauthorized credit activity.

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When someone passes away, one of the most important administrative steps is contacting the major credit bureaus. Submitting an Equifax notification of death helps protect the deceased’s identity, stop new credit activity, and allow the estate to be managed more efficiently. If you have authority to act, this guide walks you through how to notify Equifax of a death, what documents are needed, and what to expect once Equifax updates the file.

Why You Should Notify Equifax of a Death

After someone passes away, their credit profile remains active until the credit bureaus are notified. Informing Equifax about a loved one’s passing can help in the following areas: 

• Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud.
  Notifying Equifax helps ensure the credit file is flagged, making it far harder for anyone to open fraudulent accounts in the deceased’s name.
• Ensuring the Credit Report Is Marked “Deceased.”
  Once Equifax receives the notice, they place a “Deceased” alert on the credit file. This stops lenders from issuing new credit and signals that all accounts should be reviewed for closure or transfer to the estate.
• Helping Lenders and Credit Card Companies Update Their Records.
  Notification gives lenders the information they need to close accounts properly, and settle any remaining balances with the estate.

How to Notify Equifax of a Death

To begin reporting a death to Equifax, you must send a written request through the mail. Equifax does not accept phone calls or online submissions for death notifications.

Mail your letter and documents to:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105139
Atlanta, GA 30348-5139

Include the Following Information:

• Full legal name of the deceased.
• Social Security number and date of birth.
• Most recent address.
• Copy of the death certificate (never send the original).
• Your full name and relationship to the deceased.
• Your contact information, including mailing address, phone, and email.
• Proof of authority, such as:
  
  • Letters Testamentary
  • Letters of Administration
  • Court appointment papers
  • Marriage certificate (for surviving spouses)

What Happens After Notification

• A “Deceased” Status Is Added to the Credit File.
  This immediately blocks all new credit applications.
• Existing Creditors Are Alerted During Routine Reporting.
  Lenders who pull the credit file or send updates to Equifax will see the deceased status and adjust their records accordingly. This helps with the closing of accounts and balances handled by the estate.
• A Final Credit Report May Be Requested.
  Estate executors often need a final Equifax report to identify open accounts, debts, and potential fraud. You can request a copy once the file is updated.
• Junk Mail and Pre-Approved Offers May Continue Temporarily.
  There could be a short lag before mail lists update their systems and solicitations stop. 

Can You Report a Death Online?

Unfortunately, Equifax does not accept online notifications for death reports. Only mailed notices with physical documents are processed. Because of this, it’s important to use certified mail, which provides you with a tracking number and proof of delivery. In addition, it’s essential to keep copies of every document that’s submitted, especially the death certificate and your letter of authority.

Conclusion

Notifying Equifax after someone dies is a key part of protecting their identity and closing their financial records. It assists with preventing fraud, and settling the estate with fewer delays. After completing the process with Equifax, it’s also important to notify Experian and TransUnion of a loved one’s passing as well. For support with any of these tasks, Elayne’s Automated Estate Settlements platform is available to help. 

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FAQs

Q: Do credit card companies need to be notified when someone dies?
A: Yes. Executors or family members should contact each credit card company directly. Most creditors will work with the estate to settle outstanding balances and close accounts, but they rely partly on credit bureau updates to verify the death.

Q: Do banks notify credit bureaus of a death?
A: Banks may report that an account holder is deceased when they close accounts, but they are not required to notify all three credit bureaus. To avoid potential delays, it’s best to personally notify Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Q: Does Social Security automatically notify credit bureaus of a death?
A: No. Social Security notifies government agencies and certain pension organizations, but it does not automatically notify Equifax or the other credit bureaus. 

Q: How do I notify Equifax of a death?
A: You must mail a written notice with required documents to the official Equifax address for death notification. Online submissions and phone requests are not accepted.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with a licensed professional to address your specific situation.