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Key Takeaways
- Reporting a death to TransUnion helps prevent identity theft and credit fraud.
- You must send a written request with supporting documents.
- Once notified, TransUnion will mark the credit file as “Deceased” and block new activity.
After someone passes away, there are many administrative steps that need attention. In terms of financial tasks, one of the most important is protecting the deceased’s credit. When a credit file remains active, identity thieves may attempt to open new accounts, apply for loans, or use existing information for fraudulent purposes. If you have authority to act, one of the most effective ways to prevent this is to submit a TransUnion death notification as early as possible.
In this guide, we’ll share how to report a death to TransUnion, what information and documents are needed, and what happens once TransUnion updates the credit file. Whether you’re an executor or administrator, the steps below will help you navigate the process.
Why You Need to Notify TransUnion of a Death
Many people don’t realize that credit remains active after someone dies, unless each credit bureau is notified individually. Knowing how to notify TransUnion of a death is important for several reasons:
- Helps Prevent Identity Theft and Unauthorized Account Openings. Fraudsters often target the recently deceased. Flagging the file as deceased protects against new applications and suspicious use.
- Helps Lenders and Creditors Update Internal Records. When you report a death to TransUnion, lenders who access that file are automatically informed that the consumer has passed away. This reduces mail offers, stops new inquiries, and helps prevent additional credit activity.
- Supports the Estate in Resolving Final Debts. Executors or administrators often need creditor statements to settle outstanding balances. A properly updated credit file helps ensure lenders report accurate information and communicate only with authorized estate representatives.
How to Report a Death to TransUnion
The process is fairly simple, though it must be done in writing. TransUnion does not allow death reporting by phone or email.
Mail Your Request To:
TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
This is the official TransUnion address for death notification, and all documentation should be sent here via standard mail or certified mail if you’d like confirmation of delivery.
Include the Following Information:
- The deceased person’s full legal name.
- Social Security number.
- Date of birth.
- Most recent address.
These details help TransUnion locate the correct credit file.
You must also include:
- A copy of the death certificate (full or abbreviated).
- Your full name and mailing address.
- Proof of authority, such as documentation showing you are the executor, administrator, surviving spouse, or legally authorized representative.
- A written request asking TransUnion to flag the credit report as “Deceased.”
It’s important that your submission clearly states that it’s a TransUnion death notification, and that you’d like to request confirmation when the update is complete.
Will TransUnion Notify Other Bureaus?
A common question is whether notifying one bureau updates all three. Unfortunately, the answer is no. TransUnion does not notify Experian or Equifax.
Each bureau maintains an independent credit file and requires its own death report. Failing to notify one bureau leaves that credit file active and vulnerable. To fully protect the estate, follow similar steps with all three credit reporting agencies.
What Happens After You Submit the Notification
Once TransUnion receives and processes your documents, the credit file is updated within several days to a few weeks.
The following actions take place:
- The File Is Marked as “Deceased.”
This immediately prevents new credit accounts from being opened. - All New Credit Inquiries and Applications Are Halted.
Lenders see the deceased flag and will not approve new credit. - Preapproved Credit Offers Decrease Substantially.
Within 60–90 days, most promotional mail stops.
This helps protect the estate, reduce fraud risk, and minimize unwanted communication during an already difficult time.
Conclusion
Submitting a TransUnion report of death is a crucial part of settling someone’s financial affairs and preventing posthumous identity theft. While the process requires a written request and several documents, it helps ensure the deceased’s credit file is protected and inaccessible to fraudsters. Remember to notify all three credit bureaus and reach out to credit card companies individually to more fully secure the estate.
For an easier, faster, and more organized way to handle tasks like these, Elayne’s Automated Estate Settlements platform is available to help.
FAQs
Q: How do I report a death to credit bureaus?
A: You must contact TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian separately and submit a written death notification along with a copy of the death certificate and proof that you are authorized to act for the estate.
Q: Do I need to put a credit freeze on a deceased person?
A: No. Once the credit file is marked as “Deceased,” new credit cannot be issued. However, notifying all three bureaus is still essential.
Q: Does a deceased person have a credit report?
A: Yes. Credit reports do not disappear when someone dies. They remain on file and must be updated with a death notice.
Q: How do I report a death to my credit card company?
A: Contact each issuer directly. Most have bereavement teams or dedicated support for deceased account management. Provide the death certificate and your authority to act for the estate.
*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.
