Practical and immediate
Who do I notify when someone dies?
Short answer
In the first 24–72 hours: Social Security, employer or pension plan, life insurance companies, banks (to flag the account), and close family. In the first week: DMV, subscription services, utilities if the home will close, voter registration (optional but good practice), and…
What this usually means
In the first 24–72 hours: Social Security, employer or pension plan, life insurance companies, banks (to flag the account), and close family. In the first week: DMV, subscription services, utilities if the home will close, voter registration (optional but good practice), and USPS for mail forwarding.
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.