Guides / How to notify credit bureaus of a death
How to notify credit bureaus of a death
You can't freeze a dead person's credit file, but you can have it marked deceased. You only need to tell one bureau.
Why do this
Marking the file deceased helps stop someone from opening credit in the person's name. The FTC says you can notify one bureau, and it tells the other two.
What to send
- A copy of the death certificate.
- The person's legal name, Social Security number, birth date and death date.
- Your name and address, and proof of your authority if you aren't the spouse.
Where to send it
- Experian. Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013.
- TransUnion. P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. It says it updates the file within five business days of receiving the letter.
- Equifax. Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105139, Atlanta, GA 30348-5139.
Send it by certified mail, and keep a copy. The credit bureau letter is free in your account, filled in with your details.
Report fraud if you see it
Report stolen identities of people who died to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Where this comes from
Checked November 6, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See how we check facts or report a mistake.