Q1172. If an applicant passes away during the background check processing period, can legal heirs claim the document?

Answered by NYC Visa & Translation

Legal heirs should not assume they can collect a deceased applicant’s police certificate automatically; release depends on the Royal Thai Police’s rules and the claimant’s legal authority. Notify the Police Clearance Service Center of the death and ask whether the application can continue and who may receive the result. The center may request evidence such as a death certificate, claimant identification, proof of relationship, or estate-representative documents; obtain its specific checklist before submitting sensitive records. An authorization signed during the applicant’s lifetime should not be assumed to remain effective after death. Explain why the certificate is needed, since an estate matter may require a different disclosure process from a personal visa application.