How to Close or Memorialize a Facebook Account After Someone Dies

Your Two Options

When someone with a Facebook account passes away, you have two choices for what happens to their profile:

How to Memorialize a Facebook Account

Anyone can request to have a deceased person's account memorialized. Here's how:

1. Go to Facebook's Memorialization Request page
   Visit facebook.com/help/contact/305593649477238
2. Fill out the form
   You'll need the deceased person's name, their profile URL, and your relationship to them.
3. Upload proof of death
   This can be an obituary, death certificate, or news article about their passing.
4. Submit and wait
   Facebook will review your request. This typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

How to Request Account Deletion

Only an immediate family member or executor can request deletion. Here's the process:

1. Go to Facebook's Special Request page
   Visit facebook.com/help/contact/228813257197480
2. Select "Remove this account"
   Choose the deletion option rather than memorialization.
3. Prove your relationship
   You'll need to provide documentation proving you're an immediate family member or executor.
4. Upload proof of death
   A death certificate is usually required for deletion requests.

What Documents You'll Need

For Memorialization

• Proof of death (obituary, death certificate, or news article)
• The deceased person's Facebook profile URL

For Deletion

• Death certificate (usually required)
• Proof that you're an immediate family member or legal representative
• The deceased person's Facebook profile URL
• Your government-issued ID (may be requested)

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary, but here's what to expect:

If Facebook needs more information, they'll email you. Check your spam folder and respond promptly to avoid delays.

The Reality: Facebook is Just One Account

Here's what most guides don't tell you: Facebook is just one of the 100+ accounts your loved one likely had. After you've spent an hour or more navigating Facebook's process, you'll need to do it all again for:

• Instagram (different process, even though it's the same company)
• Google/Gmail (requires a formal request and possibly a court order)
• Netflix, Spotify, Stan (each with different processes)
• Banks and financial services (complex documentation)
• Dozens of shopping sites, subscriptions, and apps

Each platform has different requirements, different forms, different wait times. Some take days, others take weeks. Some will email you back, others won't respond at all without follow-up.

This is exactly why we created It's Handled. We take care of Facebook and 100+ other platforms for you - one flat fee, all the forms, all the follow-up. You provide the basics once, and we handle everything.