How to request access

Firstly, we’re sorry for your loss.

If you'd like to access the Ancestry account of someone who's passed away, you have two options. You can (1) send a request from their email address or (2) provide legal documents that show you're entitled to access the account.

If you’re the executor:

If you have access to the email address associated with the deceased person’s Ancestry account:

Send us an email from that email address. Contact us to learn how. If you do this, you don’t need to do anything else.

If you do not have access to their email account, we need:

A copy of their death certificate
Legal documentation confirming you are the executor of the decedent’s estate. That means at least one of the following: a Letter of Appointment; a Letter of Administration; a Letter of Representation; Letters Testamentary; or a copy of the will.

If you’re not the executor:

If you have access to the email address associated with the deceased person’s Ancestry account:

Send us an email from that email address. Contact us to learn how. If you do this, you don’t need to do anything else.

If you do not have access to their email account, we need:

A copy of their death certificate
Legal documentation confirming the executor of the decedent’s estate. That means at least one of the following: a Letter of Appointment; a Letter of Administration; a Letter of Representation; Letters Testamentary; or a copy of the will
Authorization from the executor granting you permission to assume control of the account

Deleting an Ancestry account

When you delete an account, you lose access to the account and all data on it. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You may wish to download the family trees, raw DNA Data, or other notes or files from an account before deleting it.

Deleting their account:
If you can access the account you’d like to delete, read and follow the steps in Deleting Your Ancestry Account. If you do not have access to their account, first follow the steps above to gain access.

Downloading trees and DNA Data

Once you’re able to access an account, you can download family trees, DNA Data, and notes or files saved to the trees.

Asking questions about a deceased person’s account

If you’ve shown that you’re entitled to access an account or act on behalf of a deceased person, contact us so we can answer any questions you have about the account.