Consular Report of Death

When an American Citizen dies abroad, Consular Officers:

  • Confirm the death, identity and U.S. citizenship of the deceased.
  • Notify the next-of-kin if they do not already know about the death.
  • Provide information about disposition of the remains and the effects of the deceased.
  • Provide guidance on forwarding funds to cover costs.
  • Serve as provisional conservator of the estate, if there is no legal representative in the country.
  • Prepare documents for disposition of the remains in accordance with instructions from the next-of-kin or legal representative.
  • Oversee the performance of disposition of the remains and distribution of the effects of the deceased.
  • Send signed copies of the Consular Report of Death of an U.S. Citizen Abroad to the next-of-kin or legal representative for use in settling estate matters in the U.S.

What is a Foreign Death Certificate?

A Foreign Death Certificate:

  • Is issued by the local authority, often the registrar of deaths.
  • Is written in the local language and prepared according to local laws.
  • May not be accepted in the U.S. for insurance and estate purposes.

What is a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad?

A Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad is:

  • Issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Provides essential facts about the death, disposition of remains, and custody of the estate of the deceased American.
  • Generally used in legal proceedings in U.S. as proof of death.
  • Based on the foreign death certificate, and cannot be completed until the death certificate is issued (can be up to 4-6 weeks, depending on the country).

Obtaining Copies of the Report of Death:

  • Consular Officer will send the family up to 20 certified copies at the time of death at no fee.
  • Additional copies can be received by contacting:

    Department of State,
    Passport Vital Records Section
    1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 510
    Washington, D.C.  20522-1705
    Tel. (202) 955-0307

  • You must submit a notarized written request to the above address, with the following information:
    • Full name of the deceased
    • Date and place of death
    • A copy of requester's valid identification
    • Your return address and telephone number
    • Signature of requester
    • Appropriate fees, payable to the “Department of State” by check or money order
  • There is a $50 fee for each additional certified copy of a Report of Death.
  • Overnight Delivery: Send your request to our office using overnight delivery for quicker service. To have your records returned to you using overnight delivery, include an additional $12.85 with your request or a pre-paid envelope for the delivery service provider of your choice.

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