7 FAM 270
consular REPORT OF DEATH OF A U.S. CITIZEN ABROAD
(CT:CON-1016; 06-03-2024)
(Office of Origin: CA/OCS)
7 FAM 271 Summary
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. Form DS-2060, the Consular Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad (or CRODA), is the official U.S. government administrative document that records the death of a U.S. citizen (or non-citizen U.S. national) abroad. Issuance of this report is distinct from, and takes place subsequent to, the consular notification to the next-of-kin (NOK - See 7 FAM 220) and any initial report to the Department of the death.
b. Subject to paragraph c. below, a consular officer should issue a Form DS-2060 in all cases where a U.S. citizen, whether private or official, has died abroad and there is a local death certificate of a finding of death by a competent local authority. (Where there is no such local certificate or finding, a report of presumptive death may be warranted - see 7 FAM 280.)
c. You should not issue a Form DS-2060 when U.S. military authorities advise post or CA/OCS/ACS that the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to conduct a forensic pathology investigation, which culminates with issuance of a DoD Form DD-2064, Certificate of Death (Overseas). For next-of-kin and for governmental purposes, a DD-2064 serves in lieu of a DS-2060.
(1) Forensic pathology investigations take place with respect to some, but not all, death cases involving U.S. military or DoD personnel overseas. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner has considerable discretion deciding when to conduct such an inquiry.
(2) Typically, DoD will conduct such an investigation if a death overseas occurs in suspicious circumstances and the decedent is active-duty military or a civilian dependent thereof, or died at a U.S. military base.
(3) Typically, DoD will not conduct such an investigation where there are no suspicious circumstances, regardless of whether the decedent is active-duty military or a civilian employee or a dependent, and regardless of whether the decedent was on official business or personal travel/off-duty.
(4) DoD should advise the ACS unit at post or CA/OCS/ACS, at the earliest opportunity, through established channels, whether or not it plans to conduct its own investigation and issue a DD-2064.
(5) If you are uncertain in a particular case whether or not you should issue a DS-2060 upon receipt of a local finding of death involving a DoD-related U.S. citizen decedent, you should ask through established local channels with DoD, or you may query the office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner. You should copy the relevant CA/OCS/ACS officer.
d. See 7 FAM 224 for guidance on death notifications for DoD personnel and 7 FAM 254(d) for guidance regarding disposition of remains and responsibility for retired military personnel and dependents.
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NOTE: If a private U.S. citizen dies in an act of terrorism, including while held hostage, and the remains are transported unembalmed to Dover Air Force Base to be autopsied, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology issues a death certificate, a copy of which is used by the U.S. embassy/consulate as the basis for Form DS-2060. (See 7 FAM 1822.3-5). |
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NOTE: About Old Numbering - Form DS-2060 supersedes Form OF-180 and Form FS-192. Consular officers may still be presented with a Form OF-180 or FS-192 to verify death or citizenship of a decedent, and should accept such forms unless there is reason to question their validity. |
e. Administrative Report – Not A Civil Death Certificate: A Form DS-2060 Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad, is an administrative report which provides essential facts concerning the death of a U.S. citizen abroad and custody of the personal estate of the deceased and must be completed for all deaths of U.S. citizens abroad unless otherwise provided in this section.
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FAQ: Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services, American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (CA/OCS/ACS) is frequently asked why we issue administrative reports of the deaths of U.S. citizens abroad. Early statutes and consular instructions reflect that reporting on deaths of U.S. citizens was regarded as a primary consular function to furnish the citizen’s family with an English language record of the death and to create a U.S. record of the death. Second Congress, Session I, Chapter 24, 1792 Statute I, April 14, 1792 Circular Instruction of August 30, 1900 General Instruction Number 338 of July 25, 1914 |
f. Accuracy: Form DS-2060 is often used in the settlement of legal and estate matters. It is important that the form be completed as accurately as possible.
g. Questions: Direct inquiries about the issuance or preparation of Form DS-2060 to CA/OCS/ACS. L/CA assists CA/OCS/ACS and posts abroad with legal questions regarding Form DS-2060, as appropriate.
h. Who May Issue a Consular Form DS-2060, Report of the Death of an American Abroad?
(1) Generally, a Form DS-2060 should be issued by a consular officer.
(2) In addition, a consular associate so designated by the CA Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS) may issue a Form DS-2060.
(3) In the absence of a consular officer or designated consular associate, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS) may authorize a diplomatic officer to issue a Form DS-2060. A consular agent is not authorized to issue a Form DS-2060.
(4) In countries with protecting powers, the protecting power diplomatic or consular officer will obtain the information necessary to issue Form DS-2060. The Form DS-2060 will be completed by the U.S. embassy in the capital of the protecting power country. For example: A Form DS-2060 for a U.S. citizen who die in Iran is initiated by the Swiss Protecting Power in Iran and issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. (For information on protecting powers see 7 FAM 1000).
(5) If there is no U.S. embassy or other U.S. diplomatic or consular representation in a country and no protecting power, the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs may temporarily authorize a post in a third country to issue a Form DS-2060.
(6) The Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs may also authorize persons within the Bureau of Consular Affairs to issue a Form DS-2060 in the United States when there is no other alternative.
7 FAM 272 AUTHORITies
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. 22 U.S.C. 2715b(b)
b. 22 CFR 72.5.
c. VCCR, Article 5, Consular functions consist of …
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“(f) Acting as notary and civil registrar and in capacities of a similar kind, and performing certain functions of an administrative nature, provided that there is nothing contrary thereto in the laws and regulations of the receiving State.” “(g) Safeguarding the interests of nationals, both individuals and bodies corporate, of the sending State in cases of succession mortis causa in the territory of the receiving State, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the receiving State.” |
d. 7 FAM 1410 and 7 FAM 1470 provide further guidance on documentation of major life events.
e. 10 U.S.C. 1471 and directives thereunder specify the circumstances when DoD, through the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, may elect to conduct its own forensic pathology examination.
7 FAM 273 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE Form DS-2060, consular report of death of a u.s. citizen abroad, AND THE LOCAL DEATH CERTIFICATE
(CT:CON-960; 01-11-2023)
a. Often the legal representative or NOK cannot settle urgent financial matters without the Form DS-2060. To prevent undue hardship on the decedent’s family, it is important to complete the document as soon as possible.
b Sometimes local officials issue a preliminary death certificate certifying the fact of the death but stating that the cause of death is undetermined, pending the results of further investigations. If the consular officer is able to obtain a preliminary death certificate and anticipates a delay of more than six weeks in obtaining the final death certificate, issue a preliminary Form DS-2060. (See 7 FAM 277.1).
c. If local authorities will not issue a preliminary death certificate and the consular officer anticipates a delay of more than six weeks in issuance of Form DS-2060, advise the NOK of the reasons for the delay by phone, e-mail, or fax and report the matter to CA/OCS/ACS by telegram using CASC tags.
d. Responsibility for Obtaining Local Death Certificate:
(1) The consular officer is responsible for obtaining the local death certificate and other necessary documents for preparing the Form DS-2060. Usually the consular officer obtains these directly from the local authorities, or from the local funeral home handling the funeral arrangements. In most countries these are provided to the embassy/consulate at no charge. If a charge is incurred, this should be included in the funds provided by the family for disposition of the remains.
(2) In some countries the local authorities are reluctant to issue documentation except to the NOK. In such cases the consular officer should work with the NOK to expedite the process. In no case should the consular officer require the family to obtain this documentation if it is possible for the consular officer to obtain it.
e. When to accept an electronic version of a death certificate: In order to receive general approval to accept electronic versions of death certificates from a competent local authority, consular sections must seek concurrence from CA/OCS/ACS and CA/FPP/ID by email. OCS/ACS has a list of consular sections that have received such general approvals for reference. Consular sections with no general approval may accept an electronic version of a death certificate on a case-by-case basis, with the concurrence by email from the relevant CA/OCS/ACS and CA/FPP/ID desk officers. When a post in a country would like to accept an electronic death certificate for the first time, or in cases of with unusual underlying facts, CA/OCS/ACS should consult L/CA prior to concurrence.
f. If there is no civil authority to issue death certificates due to civil unrest or other disruption of normal practices, posts should consult CA/OCS/ACS which will consult L/CA for guidance as to what other documentary evidence of death may be acceptable.
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NOTE: Some U.S. states place limitations on release of a local death certificate, even to the foreign consul in the United States, absent notarized requests from the NOK. The Department has determined that this is not a violation of Article 37 of the VCCR, but encourages U.S. state and local authorities to cooperate with requests from foreign consuls. Questions about this practice should be addressed to L/CA. |
7 FAM 274 GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING FORM DS-2060, consular Report of the Death of a u.s. citizen Abroad
(CT:CON-153; 01-11-2007)
7 FAM 274.1 Accuracy of Content
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
Because of the importance of Form DS-2060, the information contained in the report must be accurate. The consular officer who signs the form is responsible for its accuracy even if it is prepared by another person, such as a locally employed staff. Before signing the completed form, the consular officer should review it for accuracy.
7 FAM 274.2 Place and Date of Issue
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
The name of the consular office (e.g., U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate General, U.S. Consulate, U.S. Liaison Office, U.S. Interests Section) must be shown on the form, along with the city, country, and date of issuance of Form DS-2060. The Form DS-2060 should be issued by the post that has consular jurisdiction over the place of death. When the death of a U.S. citizen occurs in an area that is not in the consular jurisdiction of a Foreign Service post, no Form DS-2060 may be issued without the Department’s prior advice and approval.
7 FAM 274.3 Social Security Number (SSN)
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
The social security number is not essential. Include it on the form if it is available at the post, from the family. The SSN can be obtained from the decedent's passport application in the American Citizen Record Query (ACRQ).
7 FAM 274.4 Full Name
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
Use the name contained in the U.S. documentation presented as evidence of U.S. citizenship. If there is a discrepancy between the citizenship documents, use the name shown on the passport (even if the passport is not the most recent document). If no passport exists, use the name shown on the most recent document. Capitalize all the letters in the surname. Include aliases and maiden names under “Remarks,” or in a continuation sheet, grommeting it to the first sheet and initialing it.
7 FAM 274.5 Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
a. Identify fully the documentation accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship. If it is a passport, cite its number, date of issuance, and place of issuance on the “Evidence of U.S. Citizenship” line of the Form DS-2060. For a naturalization certificate, give the serial number of the certificate. If both a passport and a naturalization certification are available, cite the passport information on the “evidence” line and the naturalization information under “Remarks.”
b. If citizenship evidence is not available at post via ACRQ, or if the local authorities, family, or friends have not responded quickly to the post’s inquiries, request confirmation of U.S. citizenship telegraphically from CA/OCS/ACS. In these cases, show the passport number and the date, and place of issuance under “Evidence of U.S. Citizenship,” and state under “Remarks” that the information was obtained from the Department of State.
7 FAM 274.6 Cause of Death
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. Cite the authority for issuing a Form DS-2060, such as the local death certificate or a physician's report, as well as the cause of death. If the authority is a death certificate, cite the number of the certificate and name the department, agency, or office in which it is filed. If the authority is a physician, then list the physician’s name, address, phone number, and authority under local law for a physician to execute the death record.
b. Do not state on the report that the medical or death certificate is attached. Attached exhibits are not part of any certified copies issued by the Department, a statement about an attachment creates confusion.
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Note: this is different from a grommeted continuation sheet for remarks (see 7 FAM 274.4), which is a part of the certified copy. End Note. |
c. Because the report is an English-language document
designed for use in the United States, do not include foreign phrases under
“Cause of Death.” In this space insert the English translation of
the cause of death indicated on the local death certificate or medical report.
Do not list a legal conclusion like "murder" or
"manslaughter" as the cause of death, but rather the medical cause of
death.
d. Resist any urge to editorialize. If there is further information relating to the cause of death that should be known to the Department, convey it separately by cable.
e. Cause of Death Not Established: If the foreign authority declines to list a cause of death on the local death certificate, post can enter in Form DS-2060: "Not Listed by Local Authorities" or "Not Provided by Local Authorities." For the purposes of Form DS-2060 we are interested in the fact of the death. We cannot compel local authorities to make a determination as to the cause of death. 7 FAM 258(b)(2) provides information regarding cause of death and documents to accompany remains for shipment.
7 FAM 274.7 Disposition of Effects
(CT:CON-153; 01-11-2007)
The expression, "Not Applicable," is not appropriate for this item and will not be accepted by the Department. Each decedent at least has clothing, and the disposition of even minimal effects must be explained. (See 7 FAM 290.)
7 FAM 274.8 Listing of Other Persons: Avoid Stating “Next of Kin”
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
When listing persons other than the decedent or a consular officer acting as provisional conservator (see 7 FAM 292) anywhere in Form DS-2060, e.g., persons taking custody of effects, persons traveling with the decedent, and persons to whom copies are sent, state their familial relationship with the decedent (e.g., “mother,” “grandson” or use another factual descriptor (e.g., “friend,” “neighbor”). Do not use the term “next-of-kin” because it may be viewed as a legal conclusion and that status is contested in some cases. Avoid using the term “legal representative” unless you have seen a copy of the decedent’s will or related estate documents that so names that individual.
7 FAM 274.9 Remarks
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
a. In addition to information noted in sections 7 FAM 274.1 through 7 FAM 274.8 that might be included under “Remarks”, this section is also reserved for information pertaining to disposition of citizenship documents.
b. If additional space is required, continue the remarks on the reverse side of the report or separate sheet grommeted to the first page and initial them there, and sign the front of the form.
7 FAM 274.10 Signing and Sealing
(CT:CON-155; 02-07-2007)
The consular officer must sign all copies of Form DS-2060. The officer’s typed name and title must appear under the signature. Firmly impress each copy made of Form DS-2060 with the consular impression seal so that all details of the seal are legible on the document. This requires cleaning the die frequently and obtaining a replacement when the seal’s details are no longer fully discernible.
7 FAM 274.11 Alternate Electronic CRODA Process
(CT:CON-991; 10-03-2023)
a. Consular staff may alternately process a CRODA electronically by populating an electronic version of Form DS-2060 with information from ACS+ case files and creating a PDF version. Consular staff should follow all guidelines in 7 FAM 274.1-274.9 (above) in preparing the PDF version. Consular staff then email the PDF version to a consular officer for review and electronic signature.
b. The consular officer must use the Digital Signature and Stamp features in Adobe Acrobat Reader 2020, provided on all OpenNet computers by IRM, to digitally sign and add post’s digital consular seal to the DS-2060 PDF. Post can obtain their digital PDF seal by contacting https://brand.america.gov/
c. Post must save the electronically completed DS-2060 in the Activity Log of the ACS+ case file and email the completed form to the following offices/entities:
(1) CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR + a copy of the local death certificate
(a) Send to RCR e-mailbox: CAPPTRMRCRDI@state.gov
(b) Email Subject Heading format: [LAST NAME, First Name]- eCRODA
(2) Servicing Federal Benefits Unit (SSA)
(3) Any other Federal Offices as required, per 7 FAM 228 and 7 FAM 500
(4) The legal representative of the deceased (or NOK)
(5) The state vital statistics office of the U.S. state of birth: Review 7 FAM 276 for additional details. Consular staff must mail a physical copy if requested.
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(Note: Some state Vital Records offices may only accept hard copies) |
d. Updating Embassy Webpages: Consular sections are encouraged to update embassy/consulate webpages with examples of digital signatures developed at post, so third parties receiving copies of the signature can confirm.
e. Issuance of Paper Copies: Post should accommodate requests for hard copies of the DS-2060 with an associated electronic signature, if requested by the NOK or other official offices. But the electronic version should be the default.
f. Posts wishing to implement electronic issuance for CRODAs should inform CA/OCS/ACS, their CA/EX/PAS analyst, and L/CA. Posts that issue electronic CRODAs must still retain the ability to issue paper CRODA copies.
7 FAM 275 STILLBIRTHS
(CT:CON-917; 05-27-2021)
a. 7 FAM 1470 provides guidance regarding the consular documentation possible for stillbirths.
b. 7 FAM 200 Appendix C provides additional guidance about assisting families in these difficult circumstances.
c. Direct questions to L/CA.
7 FAM 276 DISTRIBUTING FORM DS-2060, Report of the Death of a U.S. Citizen ABROAD
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
7 FAM 276.1 Distribution to the Department and Other U.S. Agencies
(CT:CON-1016; 06-03-2024)
a. Attach to the original Form DS-2060 the local death certificate, which is the basis for the report. Then send the original and one copy of Form DS-2060 to CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR for filing, along with the printed PRISM sheet from the "E" CLASS lookout that Post has entered. See 7 FAM 276.5 for the address. You should issue a DS-2060 when you become aware of a death U.S. citizen, once all requirements are met for processing the form, regardless of whether or not a legal representative or family member has made a formal request. This includes entering an E hit in CLASS (see 8 FAM 1102.2-2(e)).
b. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, provide a copy of Form DS-2060 to the Servicing Federal Benefits Unit.
c. If the deceased was receiving other Federal benefits, send copies of the DS-2060 directly to the Federal agencies involved, per 7 FAM 500.
d. See also 7 FAM 228 regarding notifying federal benefits agency of the death.
7 FAM 276.2 Distribution to Legal Representative and/or NOK
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
a. Send up to 20 copies of Form DS-2060 to the legal representative of the deceased, generally the NOK and/or named legal representative. (22 CFR 22.1) At the time the original Form DS-2060 is prepared, additional copies may be sent also to other persons with a valid need for the report. When in doubt, consult CA/OCS/ACS.
b. Copies issued to these persons at the time the original is prepared are free of charge (22 CFR 22.1).
c. Copies of Form DS-2060 mailed to relatives and to the legal representative should be accompanied by a brief letter explaining how additional copies may be obtained and to again convey sympathy. (See 7 FAM Exhibit 222.3 Part 3.)
d. 7 FAM 276.5 provides information regarding release of certified copies by Passport Services Vital Records Section.
7 FAM 276.3 Copy for State Vital Statistics Offices
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
a. If the decedent was born in a state, territory, or other possession of the United States send a copy of Form DS-2060 to the state vital statistics office of the U.S. state of birth. Forward this copy under cover of a short memo indicating that it is being sent to allow that office to annotate its vital statistics records. If the decedent was born abroad no copy should be sent to vital statistics offices of the country of birth.
b. Addresses of the various state offices concerned are found in the Department of Health and Human Services on line publication, "Where to Write for Vital Records", which is revised periodically.
c. This is in addition to the e-mail notification of the state vital records office by email within five days of post notification of the death of the U.S. citizen born in a U.S. state or other U.S. jurisdiction. (See 7 FAM 227.)
7 FAM 276.4 Copy for Post Files and Other Posts
(CT:CON-938; 10-27-2022)
a. Place a copy of Form DS-2060 in the post’s consular files.
b. If a part of the personal estate of the deceased is known to be in another consular district, send a copy of Form DS-2060 to that post.
c. Upload both a copy of Form DS-2060 in the ACS+ software Activity Log and a copy of the finding of death (along with a translation, for individuals who died of unnatural causes) from a competent local authority.
7 FAM 276.5 Passport Services Records Division - Post Transmittal of File Copy of the Form DS-2060
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
Monthly, posts must complete Form DS-2060 and transmit the file copy to record keeping:
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U.S. Department of State
Posts abroad should continue to send the above documentation to CA/PPT via diplomatic pouch, as appropriate. |
7 FAM 276.6 Passport Services Vital Records Section - Additional Copies of Form DS-2060
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. Posts often receive requests for copies of Form DS-2060 long after the original was issued.
b. Upon request by a person having a valid need, CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR will provide certified copies of the document (Form DS-2060). See the Consular Affairs Internet page “How To Apply For a Certified Copy of One of These Reports” for guidance on how a person may make a request for a certified copy of a Form DS-2060. (See also 8 FAM 1001.8 regarding issuance of official copies of the Form DS-2060.)
c. The fee for each copy of the document is prescribed in 22 CFR 22.1.
d. CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR mission is to manage the various vital records (non-passport) under the purview of the Bureau of Consular Affairs and to issue certified or authenticated copies of such records pursuant to authorized requests. CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR also affixes apostilles on consular birth and death records in accordance with the Hague Legalization Convention (7 FAM 876).
e. Delegation of Authority: Under Delegation of Authority Number 143 from the Under Secretary for Management dated October 30, 1981, the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs is authorized to issue certificates of authentication and certifications under the seal of the Department of State and in the name of the Secretary of State or the Acting Secretary of State, for documents maintained by Passport Services. This authority has been re-delegated to officers in CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR.
f. Release of Certified Copies: CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR will release copies of Form DS-2060 to a person with a valid need. Information related to third parties is excised if the requester is not identified as an immediate family member, executor of the estate, or law enforcement. (See 7 FAM 060 and 8 FAM 1203.1.)
g. Consular posts in need of assistance from CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR should direct their inquiries to AskCRBAsVitalRecords@state.gov.
h. Panama Canal Zone Vital Records (see 8 FAM 1001.7): Persons seeking Panama Canal Zone records should be directed to the Consular Affairs Internet webpage, "How to Request a Copy of a Panama Canal Zone Birth or Death Certificate."
i. Requests should include all available information pertaining to the event or document desired. In addition to a return address, the requester should include a daytime telephone number or e-mail address in the event more information is required. The written request must be notarized and include a photocopy of the requester’s valid driver's license or other government issued identification card. (See 7 FAM 1448.) Appropriate fees must be provided by check or money order, payable through a U.S. bank. Current fees, along with additional information, are available on the Internet at the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet Web page or by calling CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR’s automated line at 202-485-8300.
j. Advise an inquirer to include in the request the following complete identifying information:
(1) Submit a signed and notarized written request including all pertinent facts of the occasion along with a copy of the requester’s valid photo identification.
(2) General information:
(a) Date of request;
(b) Purpose of request;
(c) Document individual Is Requesting (Form DS-2060);
(d) Number of documents requested; and
(e) Current mailing address and daytime telephone number.
(3) Facts of Death:
(a) Name (at birth/death);
(b) Name after adoption (if applicable);
(c) Date of death;
(d) Country of death;
(e) Father’s name;
(f) Father’s date and place (state/country) of birth;
(g) Mother’s name;
(h) Mother’s date and place (state/country) of birth; and
(i) Fees: See 22 CFR 22.1 for current fees. Check or money order must be signed, dated, and made payable to “Department of State.” Remittance must be payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank. Do not send cash.
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NOTE: Additional Requirements: Notarized signature A copy of a valid identification of the requester, such as a driver’s license, military identification, or passport. If you possess a Form DS-2060, please enclose a copy to aid in our file search. |
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SUBMIT REQUESTS TO: U.S. Department of State Record Services Division Vital Records Section CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR 44132 Mercure Circle Sterling, VA 20166-1213 |
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Turnaround Time: Some consular vital records must be retrieved from off-site repositories, including the National Archives. Thus, the time it takes varies greatly based on the type of record and date of occurrence, making it difficult to give a definite timeframe. |
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Expedited Service: Overnight delivery can save about ten days processing time, but there is no way to reduce the retrieval time. Overnight return via Federal Express is available domestically for an additional fee or the requester may provide a pre-paid air bill for the carrier of choice. For the current schedule of fees, see 22 CFR 22.1. |
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Additional Information: CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR can be reached at (202) 485-8300. |
k. If CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR is unable to locate a file copy of the Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad, the request for verification of the death should be directed to L/CA which will treat the matter as a Freedom of Information Act request and attempt to reconstruct the case from death reporting cables and ACS system records. If the family has a copy of the Form DS-2060 report of death bearing the seal of the issuing office, and CA/OCS is able to verify the death from existing records, L/CA may be able to verify the death through authentication of Department records. Such cases should be brought to L/CA’s attention. If no Department records exist any longer, it may be necessary for post to assist the family in obtaining an authenticated copy of the local foreign death certificate.
7 FAM 277 Corrections to Form Ds-2060, consular Report of Death of a u.s. Citizen abroad
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
7 FAM 277.1 Preliminary Form DS-2060
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
a. When a delay of more than six weeks is anticipated in obtaining all the information necessary for completion of Form DS-2060, the consular officer should prepare and distribute a preliminary Form DS-2060. A preliminary report must be prepared on Form DS-2060 but with the title or remarks section clearly amended to read “Preliminary Consular Report of the Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad.”
b. A preliminary report may not be based on less than official notification in writing that death has occurred. Circumstantial evidence, such as the return of SSA checks or a letter from a relative, is not sufficient to warrant the preparation of a preliminary report.
c. If the consular officer anticipates a delay of more than six weeks in obtaining the documentation necessary for issuing Form DS-2060 and is unable to obtain an official notification in writing that death has occurred, the officer should send a direct relay telegram to the NOK, explaining the reason for the delay.
7 FAM 277.2 Correcting Errors
(CT:CON-929; 09-07-2022)
If a post discovers an error on the Form DS-2060 after it is prepared, but before it is sent to the Department for filing, the post should issue a new report of death. The post should retrieve and destroy the erroneous copies, issue a new Form DS-2060, and distribute that.
7 FAM 277.3 Amended Form DS-2060
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. At present, CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR cannot amend or correct Form DS-2060. If errors or omissions are made in Form DS-2060 already forwarded to the Department, the family should contact CA/OCS/ACS or contact post directly for assistance in the issuance of an amended Form DS-2060. This must be created by the U.S. embassy or consulate which prepared the original Report.
b. When an amendment of Form DS-2060 is required, the post should type the word “amended” at the top of the form. The date on which the amended report is prepared is the date to be shown in the space under the document title, calling for “Post & date of issue.”
c. Send the original of the amended report to CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR for filing. Send a copy to each person listed on the first report, along with an explanatory letter, requesting that the first copy or copies be returned to post for destruction. Copies of these letters should be sent to CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR for filing with the amended Form DS-2060. The record will be scanned into Passport Issuance Electronic Records System (PIERS) via Passport Lookout Out Tracking System (PLOTS) in the future.
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Send the documents to: U.S. Department of State Record Services Division CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR 44132 Mercure Circle Sterling, VA 20166-1213 |
d. CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR will attach the amended Form DS-2060 to the original record.
7 FAM 278 Revocation/Cancelation of Form DS-2060
(CT:CON-981; 05-16-2023)
a. Form DS-2060 may be revoked/canceled with the approval of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services or the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services if it is determined that the report was issued in error, including mistaken identity or fraud.
b. If such an allegation is made, the matter should be referred to L/CA which will coordinate with PPT, FPP, and DS, as appropriate.
c. If a Form DS-2060 is revoked, permanent records in CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR and consular automated systems must be annotated as appropriate. An appropriate entry will be made in the CLASS (Consular Lookout and Support System) system depending on the facts and circumstances of the case (see the CA/FPP Intranet page).
7 FAM 279 verification of u.s. citizenship of the deceased and disposition of passports, AND other citizenship documents
(CT:CON-1016; 06-03-2024)
a. Verification of U.S. Citizenship:
(1) A completed Form DS-2060 is acceptable as evidence of a person’s U.S. citizenship at the time of death; therefore, the consular officer must first verify a person's U.S. citizenship using only those documents that are considered acceptable for passport issuance (see 8 FAM 303.1 and 8 FAM 303.3) before processing a DS-2060. Further, ensure there has been no finding of loss of nationality as reflected in CLASS (Consular Lookout and Support System).
(2) Consular officers must exercise due care in confirming the U.S. citizenship of the deceased. Do not prepare a Form DS-2060 when neither the consular officer nor the Department can establish the U.S. citizenship of the deceased after making all reasonable efforts. In such cases, preserve any evidence uncovered or found during the confirmation process in the ACS system, then close the service, and treat the paper records according to CA/OCS records disposition schedules.
b. Disposition of Passport:
(1) Passport: If the family requests to keep the passport, cancel the passport of a deceased U.S. citizen, consistent with 8 FAM 901.1, by punching holes in the machine-readable zone. Do not stamp the word "canceled" on the personal identification page. Notify the Consular Lost and Stolen Passport (CLASP) office in Passport Services so that cancellation of the passport can be recorded in the official passport records of the Department. Email a note to CLASP@state.gov with a scan or the key data information from the passport, a note that it has been physically cancelled and returned to the family, and include a copy of the DS-2060. If the family does not wish to keep the passport of the deceased U.S. citizen as a memento, see 8 FAM 203.1-4 for guidance regarding disposition of the passport for destruction or mailing it to CLASP.
(2) Return or provide the canceled passport to the NOK either with the Form DS-2060, or with the decedent’s personal effects. Note the fact of the cancellation and the disposition of the document in the “Remarks” section of Form DS-2060.
(3) If no NOK has been identified, follow 8 FAM 203.1-4 guidance regarding disposition of the passport. Note the fact of the cancellation and the disposition of the document in the "Remarks" section of Form DS-2060.
c. Disposition of Other U.S. Citizenship Documents:
(1) Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship:
(a) The consular officer annotates the back of the certificate of naturalization or citizenship of a deceased U.S. citizen by an endorsement, showing the date and place of death of the person to whom it was issued.
(b) Return or forward the naturalization or citizenship certificate to the NOK, either with the Form DS-2060, or with the decedent’s personal effects.
(c) Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the death of the bearer of a certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship, even if there is a NOK or legal representative identified, to permit USCIS to enter the fact of the death in its database. There are two methods to notify USCIS:
(i) Send the Consular Report of Death to USCIS, in a separate envelope to:
National Records Center
150 Space Center Loop
Suite 700
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-2141
In a memo, reference the name of the deceased, date of birth, place of birth, naturalization or certificate of citizenship number, and date and place of issuance and disposition of the certificate.
(ii) Send the alternate electronic Consular Report of Death (eCRODA) to: IMLSINFO@uscis.dhs.gov.
In the email, reference the name of the deceased, date of birth, place of birth, naturalization or certificate of citizenship number, and date and place of issuance and disposition of the certificate.
(d) When no NOK or legal representative is located, overseas posts should return the documents to USCIS under cover of a memorandum to National Records Center's address in 7 FAM 279 paragraph c(1)(c)(i). Note the cancellation of the certificate and its disposition in the Remarks section of Form DS-2060.
(2) Consular Report of Birth Abroad: If a Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen, is found among the personal effects of unaccompanied decedent:
(a) Annotate the back of the Form FS-240 with a handwritten or rubber-stamped note reflecting the date of death and the issuance of Form DS-2060. Do not stamp "canceled" on the document. This is done because the Form FS-240 is proof of U.S. citizenship and this annotation on the reverse side of the family’s copy bearing the seal of the issuing office will assist in preventing future use of the document for fraudulent purposes;
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For example: “John Smith, to whom Form FS-240 was issued, died January 12, 2007 in Bangkok, Thailand, as reflected on Form DS-2060 on file with the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services Vital Records Section.” Date Typed Name of Consular Officer Title of Consular Officer Initials of Consular Officer |
(b) Post should notify CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR by emailing CA-PPT-S-RM-RCR-DO-Specialist@state.gov of the death of a subject of Form FS-240 or Form DS-1350, Certification of Birth. CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR will place a “D” in the “Reviewed Citizenship” field of the electronic record to reflect that fact of the death in the birth records. The "D" indicator in the system alerts CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR staff that the subject is deceased and that they should not issue a certified copy of Form FS-240 or Form DS-1350, Certificate of Birth, as a fraud prevention measure. If proof of the decedent’s acquisition of US citizenship at birth is required, CA/PPT/S/RM/RCR can issue a certified letter attesting to the birth facts.
d. Other Documents:
(1) Return other documents, such as birth certificates, to the NOK or legal representative.
(2) Annotate with notation of death a Card of Identity and Registration and handle it in the same manner as a U.S. passport.