Death Abroad, Missing Persons, and Disaster
What is a Consular Report of Death and how do I use it?
Short answer
It is the official U.S. government document certifying the death of a U.S. citizen abroad. Request multiple certified copies from the State Department. U.S. institutions — banks, insurers, SSA — will typically accept it in place of a domestic death certificate. Apply…
What this usually means
It is the official U.S. government document certifying the death of a U.S. citizen abroad. Request multiple certified copies from the State Department. U.S. institutions — banks, insurers, SSA — will typically accept it in place of a domestic death certificate. Apply at travel.state.gov.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.