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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. This is also a good time to review how long to keep deceased person's documents as part of settling the estate, along with locating a safety deposit box after death.
What Should Be Done With a Deceased Person’s Passport?
Option 1: Return it to the U.S. State Department
They will officially cancel and return the passport. 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.
| Option | What Happens | Best When |
|---|---|---|
| Return to the U.S. State Department | Passport is officially canceled and mailed back to you | Identity protection is a priority, or the estate involves international matters |
| Keep as a keepsake | Passport stays with the family; must be clearly marked as canceled | The family wants to preserve it as a memento of the person's travels or heritage |
If the deceased held dual citizenship, or the passport was issued outside the U.S., 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 and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP)
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166-1227
Include:
- The original passport of the deceased person.
- A certified copy of the death certificate (do not send the original certified copy — a photocopy of the certified copy is acceptable).
- 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.
Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2026
According to Javelin Strategy & Research, identity theft affecting deceased individuals has become more common, not less: in 2025, combined identity fraud and scam losses in the U.S. reached $38 billion, with synthetic identity fraud — where criminals combine a deceased person's Social Security number with fabricated details to create a new false identity — among the fastest-growing methods. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that seniors over 60 lost $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, a 59% increase over the prior year. A dedicated guide on protecting against deceased identity theft covers the full range of steps families can take.
An active passport adds another avenue for misuse. It can be used as a primary identity document to open accounts, apply for credit, or cross borders. Canceling it removes one more point of exposure at a time when post-death fraud is increasingly sophisticated and difficult to unwind. The State Department's Passport Fraud unit continued active enforcement through 2026, including a September 2026 federal sentencing for identity theft and passport fraud — a reminder that these documents carry real criminal value when left unguarded.
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.
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