Options available when a Yahoo Account owner passes away
We know that dealing with the loss of a relative is very difficult. To protect the privacy of your loved one, it is our policy to honor the initial agreement that they made with us, even in the event of their passing. At the time of registration, all account holders agree to the Yahoo Terms (TOS). Pursuant to the TOS, neither the Yahoo account nor any of the content therein are transferable, even when the account owner is deceased. As a result, Yahoo cannot provide passwords or access to deceased users' accounts, including account content such as email. Yahoo does have a process in place to request that your loved one's account be closed, billing and premium services suspended, and any contents permanently deleted for privacy.
Yahoo.com
Help page: https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN9112.html?impressions=true
Yahoo.co.uk
Help page: https://uk.help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN2021.html?impressions=true
Requesting to close the account
In order to process this kind of request, we require specific documentation:
- A letter containing your request and stating the Yahoo ID of the deceased
- A copy of a document appointing the requesting party as the personal representative or executor of the estate of the deceased
- A copy of the death certificate of the Yahoo account holder
Send the information to our Legal Department
For yahoo.com accounts:
Postal Mail
Concierge Executive Escalations
Yahoo Inc.
5250 NE Elam Young Parkway
Hillsboro
OR 97124
Email: concierge@cc.yahoo-inc.com
For yahoo.co.uk accounts:
Yahoo! EMEA Limited Legal Department
5-7 Point Village
North Wall Quay
Dublin 1
Ireland
Fax: 00353 1 8663108