What Happens to Your GitHub Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Private repos
Inaccessible without login
Orgs
Transfer owner role
Sponsors
Check pending payouts
Step-by-Step Guide
Transfer organization ownership
For any GitHub org you own, add a trusted person as an Owner. Settings → Organizations → Members → Invite. This ensures the org survives.
Document private repo access
Private repos require account login. Document credential location (password manager). Consider making critical repos available via org membership.
Package maintainer succession
If you maintain npm, PyPI, or other packages, add a co-maintainer. Unmaintained packages become security risks for users.
Check GitHub Sponsors
If receiving sponsorships, check pending payouts. Sponsors income is taxable on the final return.
Document Now Checklist
- GitHub username and credential location
- List all organizations you own
- List critical private repos
- Note any maintained packages
- Note GitHub Sponsors income
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with GitHub. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Vercel
Add a trusted person to your Vercel team with Admin role. This ensures deployments continue.
Netlify
Add a trusted person to your Netlify team. Team → Members → Invite.
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
AWS charges continue indefinitely if not cancelled. Running EC2 instances, S3 storage, RDS databases, and other services incur ongoing costs. Notify billing contact immediately.
Protect your GitHub 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 →