How can my family access my BMI account after I die?

The process typically involves contacting BMI with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the exact procedure.

🎬 Streaming

What Happens to Your BMI Account When You Die

Royalties continue for decades

Quick Facts

Royalties

Continue for decades after death

Estate

Update payee to estate

Works

Registered compositions

Step-by-Step Guide

Performance royalties continue for decades

BMI performance royalties continue as long as the music is being played publicly. These can generate income for decades.

Update payee to estate or heir

Contact BMI to update the payee information. A death certificate and legal estate documents are required.

Document Now Checklist

BMI member ID
Registered works/compositions
Current quarterly royalty estimate
Account email

Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with BMI. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Related Guides

Netflix

Record the email and payment method linked to Netflix.

Hulu

Record your account email. Check if Hulu is bundled with Disney+ and/or ESPN+.

Spotify

Set your favourite playlists to public so family can follow them and keep your music collection alive.

Browse all 1,800+ platform guides Digital Readiness Score Netflix guide Hulu guide

Protect your BMI account — and all your others

Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.

Start your free trial →