What Happens to Your Clerk Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Auth
All apps lose login capability
Users
User database inaccessible
Transfer
Org member access
Step-by-Step Guide
Export user data
Use the Clerk Backend API to export all user data including profiles, email addresses, and metadata. This is essential for any migration.
Document all applications
List all Clerk applications, their API keys (publishable and secret), and connected frontend/backend URLs.
Add organization members
Organization Settings → Members. Add a trusted person with Admin role to maintain authentication services.
Export webhooks and customizations
Document all webhook endpoints, custom session token claims, and branding customizations. These need to be recreated in a new setup.
Downgrade or contact support
Downgrade to the free tier or contact Clerk support for estate account transfer procedures.
Document Now Checklist
- Clerk account email
- List all applications and their purposes
- API key locations (publishable and secret keys)
- Monthly bill amount
- Number of active users
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Clerk. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
GitHub
GitHub has no formal memorialization process. Private repos become permanently inaccessible without account credentials. Add a trusted contact as org owner for any organizations you manage.
Vercel
Add a trusted person to your Vercel team with Admin role. This ensures deployments continue.
Netlify
Add a trusted person to your Netlify team. Team → Members → Invite.
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