Manage Mail for the Deceased
Stopping or Redirecting Mail
After a loved one has passed away, accumulating mail can attract unwanted attention. To avoid this, as appointed executor or administrator, you can file a request at the Post Office™ to:
- Redirect their mail.
- Remove them from advertisers' mailing lists.
The Direct Marketing Association maintains a “Deceased Do Not Contact” list. Within 3 months of adding the deceased’s name to this list, the amount of advertising mail received should decrease.
If You Shared an Address
If you shared a mailing address with someone who has since died and would normally receive their mail, you don't need to do anything. You can open and manage their mail.
If You Had a Different Address
To forward the deceased’s mail to a different address, you must file a request at your local Post Office. You will need to:
- Provide valid proof that you are the appointed executor or administrator and authorized to manage the deceased person’s mail.
- Complete a change of address form at a Post Office location.