Guides / What to do with a person's mail after they die
What to do with a person's mail after they die
Their mail is one of the best ways to find accounts and policies, so keep reading it.
If you shared the address
USPS says you may open and manage mail for someone who died if you live at the same address.
If you didn't
To forward mail, an executor goes to a Post Office in person with proof of appointment. A death certificate alone isn't enough. You can also forward a single piece by crossing out the address and writing the new one.
Watch for clues
Keep a folder for a few months. Annual statements, tax forms, premium notices and pension letters often appear only once a year. Add each one to your search.
Reduce the junk mail
The Deceased Do Not Contact List costs $6 to register. It should cut advertising mail within about three months.
Where this comes from
Checked November 6, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See how we check facts or report a mistake.