Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Death Notices:
Q. How do I publish a death notice in The Washington Post?
We have three ways to submit your notice. You may use the self-service application at https://selfserviceadvertising.washingtonpost.com/adportal/obits/index.html or you call us at 202-334-4122 or submit your notice to Deathnotices@washpost.con
Q. Where do death notices placed with the Washington Post appear?
Death Notices appear in The Washington Post newspaper and online at www.washingtonpost.com
Q. What information is typically included in a death notice?
The following is a list of frequently included items:
· Full name
· Photograph of the individual
· Nickname if appropriate
· Age of person at death
· Cause of death (if desired)
· Date of death
· City of residence at death
· Place of birth
· Heading to commemorate the individual's lifelong accomplishments and affiliations.
· U.S. Flag icon to commemorate service to our country.
· Previous locations of residences
· Family members who preceded in death include spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, immediate family, and extended family as appropriate
· Family members and survivors include spouse/s, parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, immediate family, and extended family as appropriate
· Quotes from family members
· Work history, military history, education
· Clubs and religious affiliations, hobbies, interests, accomplishments, volunteer activities
· Complete funeral, memorial service information and family receptions including date(s), times, location, cemetery, place of burial
· Family preference for flowers, memorial contributions, or donations with instructions for submission
· Funeral Home logo
Q. Who can submit a death notice?
Although most death notices are submitted directly from a funeral home, families may publish a death notice of their loved one with verification of the death Contact information for the funeral home or crematorium handling the arrangements is required. Please allow sufficient time for the verification process.
Q. What is a paid death notice?
A paid death notice can include photos, icons, logos, and additional information about the deceased such as surviving family members, education and career, organization and club memberships, interests and hobbies or activities.
Q. What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
News obituaries are published by The Washington Post, free of charge. The Washington Post publishes a limited number on the obituary page as space and staffing allow. They appear at the discretion of the Metro desk and there is never a guarantee that an obituary will be published. It's advisable to publish a paid death notice with essential information to guarantee that the information be published. If you need assistance with a news obituary, please call the News Obituary department at 202-334- 6477 or submit request by email. Information for a News Obituary should be sent to The Washington Post by e-mail (newsobits@washpost.com) no later than 30 days after the date of death. An online form can be found here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituary-submission/.
Q. Can a photo be included with a death notice?
Yes, photo selection is the personal preference of the family. Some families choose to use current photos while others select a favorite photo that has special meaning. As the printed death notice has lasting value, the family should choose the photo that means the most to them. If you have a favorite photo that includes multiple people and pets, the photo must be cropped to display the deceased only.
Q. What if the photo is older, will it reproduce with good quality?
Your submitted photo will go through an extensive toning process to deliver the best possible quality. However, with older photos, it is sometimes not possible to duplicate the quality of a newer one.
Q. If the photo being used is color, will it appear in color in the newspaper?
Yes, however there is limited space for color photos in the newspaper. We recommend placing your notice as early as possible.
When using the self-service application, you will be able to upload and crop your photo. Otherwise, death notice copy, and photo may be emailed to deathnotices@washpost.com in any commonly-used photo format, such as .jpg, .tiff, or .bmp; however, JPG is preferred and reproduces with better quality. The quality of reproduction will greatly depend on the quality of the photo provided.
Q. Will the death notice I send you publish on washingtonpost.com?
Yes, death notices will be published online at washingtonpost.com the day it appears in the newspaper.
Q. How long will the death notice appear on washingtonpost.com
The Notice will appear in our list for seven days however you can always find it at Legacy.com.
Q. How do I search for a death notice online?
Simply go to washingtonpost.com and click on the classified section and the Paid death notices appear on the top of the page.
Q. Where is the death notice going to appear in print and on Washingtonpost.com?
The notice will appear in the Metro section of the newspaper and in the classified section online at washingtonpost.com.
Q. How frequently are death notices updated on washingtonpost.com?
Death notices are updated daily around 8am.
The Washington Post partners with Legacy.com, the largest provider of online death notices and obituaries, to facilitate dissemination of death notices and obituaries nationwide. The reader will be able to access death notices through washingtonpost.com but also have access to the full national site.
Q. What if I need to make a change to the death notice prior to deadline?
If you need to change the death notice prior to the notice appearing in the newspaper, using the self-service application, simply log into your account and make the appropriate changes and resubmit the notice. Or call 202-334-4122 prior to the deadline.
Q. Whom do I call if there is a change or error in the death notice after publication?
Please call our Death Notices team at 202-334-4122 for immediate assistance.
Q. Will you bill us for the cost of the death notice?
No, all paid death notices are prepaid before publication.
Q. If we are a funeral home, how can we get an account with The Washington Post?
Simply by calling our death notices team at 202-334-4122 or send your request to deathnotices@washpost.com
Q. Who can I contact if I have further questions?
You may contact our support staff using the information below.
Phone: 202-334-4122
Email: deathnotices@washpost.com
Personal contributions:
We cannot post requests for contributions to sites such as gofundme.com or youcaring.com or any other site where the money is sent directly to an individual. All contributions must be directed to a bank account, an established charity, or an established institution such as a school or church.