What Happens to Your Passport / Driver's License / State IDs Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Deadline
Cancel promptly
Difficulty
Easy
Key Info
Prevents identity theft
Step-by-Step Guide
Locate all government IDs
Find the passport, driver's license, state ID, and any other government-issued identification.
Estimated time: 10 min
Cancel the passport
Mail the passport with Death Certificate to the U.S. Department of State to cancel it.
Notify the DMV
Contact your state DMV to cancel the driver's license and prevent identity fraud.
Notify credit bureaus
Place a deceased alert on all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent fraud.
Estimated time: 15 min
Document Now Checklist
- Passport number and location
- Driver's license number
- State ID numbers
- Social Security card location
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Passport / Driver's License / State IDs. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Social Security
Social Security must be notified of death immediately. Benefits paid after death must be returned. Survivor benefits may be available.
IRS / Tax Returns
A final individual tax return must be filed for the year of death. Estates over $13.61M may owe federal estate tax.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans are entitled to burial benefits, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate — all at no cost.
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