What to Do with a Passport When Someone Dies

Key Takeaways

• You are not legally required to cancel a deceased person's passport in the U.S., but it is recommended to prevent identity theft.
• You can return the passport to the U.S. State Department or keep it as a keepsake, clearly marked as canceled.
• To cancel a passport, mail it with a copy of the death certificate and a short letter to the U.S. Department of State.

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When someone passes away, handling their personal affairs can feel overwhelming. In addition to funeral arrangements, finances, and closing accounts, families often wonder: What do I do with their passport, if anything? The passport of a deceased person doesn't expire immediately, and if left active, it could be misused. If you have authority to act, this article explains what should be done with a deceased person’s passport, how to cancel it, and what your options are if you’d like to keep it as a sentimental item. 

Do I Need to Return a Deceased Person’s Passport?

The short answer: No, you are not legally obligated to return a deceased person’s passport. The U.S. State Department does not require families to send it back. However, canceling it is strongly recommended for a few important reasons:

• Prevents Identity Theft and Fraud
  Unused passports are a common target for criminal misuse. Canceling the passport protects the deceased person’s identity.
  
  
• May Be Requested During Estate Administration
  Certain agencies, banks, or pension services may ask for proof that the passport has been canceled, especially during international estate matters.

What Should Be Done With a Deceased Person’s Passport?

Option 1: Return it to the U.S. State Department

They will officially cancel the passport and return it to you if requested. This is the safest option when privacy or identity protection is a concern.

Option 2: Keep It as a Keepsake

Many families hold on to passports as a memory of their loved one’s travels or heritage. If you choose to keep it, make sure to mark it clearly as canceled to prevent misuse.

If the deceased held dual citizenship, or the passport was issued outside the U.S., you should contact the embassy or consulate of that country for instructions.

How to Cancel the Passport of a Deceased Person

Cancelling a U.S. passport is simple and doesn’t require any forms or fees. Just mail the following items:

Send To:

U.S. Department of State  

Consular Lost/Stolen Passport Section  

CA/PPT/S/L/LE  

44132 Mercure Cir  

P.O. Box 1227  

Sterling, VA 20166-1227

Include:

• The original passport of the deceased person.
• A photocopy of the death certificate (do not send the original).
• A brief signed letter requesting cancellation.

What to Include in the Letter:

• Full name of the deceased.
• Date of birth.
• Date of death.
• Passport number (if available).
• Your name and relationship to the deceased.
• Your contact information.
• A statement such as:
  “I am requesting the cancellation of the enclosed passport belonging to my deceased [relationship], [name]. Please mark it as canceled and return it to me.”

What to Do with a Passport When the Passport Holder Has Died Abroad

If the person died while traveling or living overseas, the passport will usually be handled as part of the consular process. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate so they can:

• Report the death to the U.S. State Department.
• Assist with repatriation of remains.
• Provide guidance on canceling the passport.
• Help return the passport to the next of kin.

Conclusion 

Knowing what to do with a deceased person’s passport is one of those small but important estate tasks. While you don’t have to cancel it legally, doing so protects your loved one from identity fraud and ensures responsible closure of their affairs. 

Whether you decide to return it to the State Department or keep it as a memory of their life and travels, handling it properly brings peace of mind.

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FAQs

Q: What do I do with a passport when someone dies?
You can either return it to the State Department for cancellation or keep it as a memento after marking it canceled.

Q: Do I need to return a deceased person's passport?
No, it is not legally required, but it’s recommended to prevent identity theft.

Q: How do I cancel the passport of a deceased person?
Mail the passport, a copy of the death certificate, and a short letter to the State Department.

Q: When someone dies, do you need to cancel their passport?
It’s optional, but preferable. Cancellation helps protect a loved one’s identity and prevent fraud.

Q: Can I keep a deceased person’s passport?
Yes. Just mark it clearly as canceled and store it safely.

*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.