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Request a Copy of a Consular Report of Death Abroad

Request copies of a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA) filed in 1975 or after as a next of kin or legal representation for estate purposes. We do not issue CRODAs for legal permanent residents.

When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate of the location where they died will create a CRODA. To request a copy of a CRODA issued before 1975, contact the National Archives and Records Administration.

We can only provide official copies of records on file with the U.S. Department of State.

Steps to request a copy

  1. Fill out Form DS-5542

    • Fill out Form DS-5542 on your computer or complete it by hand in black ink.
    • Sign the form in front of a notary public to avoid delays.
    Shipping your record

    We will send your vital record to you. If you live in the United States, you can select First Class Mail or 1-3 day delivery:

    • USPS First Class Mail: Takes 1-2 weeks. No extra charge.
    • 1-3 day delivery service: Add $26.87 to the check or money order. 

    Do not include a pre-paid express mail envelope with your request. This will cause a delay in delivery.

    If you live outside the United States, we will send your vital record to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The embassy or consulate will coordinate with you to pick up or deliver your record. 

  2. Get a copy of your photo ID

    Get a photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID. Examples include:

    • state-issued driver’s license
    • non-driver photo ID
    • military ID
    • passport
    • prison or inmate ID

  3. Provide a check or money order

    • The cost is $50 for each record you request.
    • If you opt for 1-3 Day Delivery, add $26.87 to the check or money order.
    • Make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State."
    • Include a complete return mailing address on the check.
    • Make it payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

  4. Mail the form, copy of your photo ID, and payment

    Mail them to:

        U.S. Department of State
        Passport Vital Records
        44132 Mercure Circle
        PO Box 1213
        Sterling, VA 20166-1213

    We can only provide official copies of records on file with the U.S. Department of State.

Request an apostille on your record

An apostille certifies your document so countries in the 1961 Hague Convention will recognize it. 

We only put apostilles on CRODAs issued in the last 5 years. We cannot place an apostille on a CRODA issued abroad without certifying the signature of the officer on the record.

If you need an apostille on a CRODA, you must submit a:

  • Notarized, completed Form DS-5542

  • Photocopy of a valid photo ID such as a state-issued driver's license, passport, or military ID

  • Check or money order. The cost is $50 if you need a new copy of a CRODA.

    • Make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State".
    • Include a complete mailing address on the check.
    • Make it payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

Mail your notarized Form DS-5542, photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records
    44132 Mercure Circle
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA 20166-1213

Request a status check

Use our web form to request a status check if you have already submitted Form DS-5542. If you are changing your mailing address, dial 202-485-8300 instead of submitting the form.

Request a status check
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Last Updated: June 18, 2026

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