Last updated: January 2025

TL;DR

To stop mail for a deceased person, register their name with the DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List at dmachoice.org (free with $1 authentication). Write 'Deceased - Return to Sender' on first-class mail. Contact organizations directly with a copy of the death certificate. Most mail stops within 2-3 months. Note: EDDM 'Postal Customer' mail cannot be stopped as it's addressed to the location, not the person.

How to Stop Mail for a Deceased Person

Receiving mail addressed to a deceased loved one can be painful. Unfortunately, marketing databases often take months or even years to update. This guide will help you stop most unwanted mail for someone who has passed away.

Quick Answer:

Register with the DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List at dmachoice.org (free with $1 fee). This notifies participating companies to stop mailing to that name. Takes 2-3 months to take effect.

1

Register with DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List

dmachoice.org — Free registration with $1 authentication fee

The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) maintains a Deceased Do Not Contact List that notifies marketing companies to remove the deceased person's name from their mailing lists.

How to Register:

  • Visit DMAchoice.org
  • Click on "Register a Deceased Individual"
  • Enter the deceased person's full name and last known address
  • Complete the $1 authentication process
  • Submit the registration

Time to take effect: 2-3 months
Cost: $1 (one-time fee)
Duration: Permanent

2

Forward or Return First-Class Mail

Handle important mail and return unwanted items

For First-Class Mail:

  • Write "Deceased - Return to Sender" on the unopened envelope
  • Place it back in your mailbox
  • The sender will be notified and can update their records

For Formal Mail Forwarding:

  • Visit your local post office in person
  • Bring proof of executorship or administrator status
  • Bring a copy of the death certificate
  • Complete the mail forwarding form
Note: Standard mail and EDDM (addressed to "Postal Customer") cannot be returned or forwarded. These are delivered to the address, not to a specific person.
3

Contact Organizations Directly

Request removal from mailing lists with documentation

For persistent mail from specific organizations, contact them directly with a copy of the death certificate. Most companies will remove the name within 30 days.

Priority Organizations to Contact:

  • Banks and credit card companies — Call customer service
  • Insurance companies — Contact policy services
  • Subscription services — Cancel magazines, clubs
  • Charities — Request removal from donor lists
  • Catalog companies — Use CatalogChoice.org or call directly
  • Professional associations — Cancel memberships

What to include: Deceased's full name, address, account number (if known), and a copy of the death certificate (for financial institutions).

4

Use Additional Opt-Out Services

Register with other services to maximize coverage

Additional Services:

Register the deceased person's name and address with each service. Most accept registrations on behalf of deceased individuals.

What You Cannot Stop

EDDM mail (Every Door Direct Mail) addressed to "Postal Customer," "Resident," or "Current Occupant" cannot be stopped. This mail is delivered to every address on a postal route, regardless of who lives there. There is currently no opt-out for EDDM mail.

Learn more about EDDM mail →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for mail to stop after registering with DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List?

It typically takes 2-3 months for most mail to stop. Some mailings prepared in advance may continue arriving during this period as companies update their databases.

Can I stop all mail for a deceased person?

You can stop most addressed mail (catalogs, offers, etc.) but you cannot stop EDDM 'Postal Customer' mail, which is delivered to every address regardless of the resident. This mail is addressed to the location, not the person.

Do I need to be an executor to stop a deceased person's mail?

For basic opt-outs like the DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List, you don't need to be the executor. However, for mail forwarding through USPS, you'll need proof of executorship or administrator status.

What if I keep receiving mail for a deceased person after opting out?

Contact the sending organizations directly with a copy of the death certificate. Most companies will remove the name within 30 days. For persistent senders, contact the Better Business Bureau.

Is the DMA Deceased Do Not Contact List free?

The basic registration is free. There's a small $1 authentication fee to help verify your identity. This one-time registration protects the deceased's name for the life of the database.

Related Guides

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