What Happens to Your Production Database Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Data
Customer and business data
Hosting
Ongoing charges for hosting
Backups
Verify backup schedule
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a full database export
Run a full database export using the appropriate tool (pg_dump for Postgres, mysqldump for MySQL, mongodump for MongoDB). Store the export in a secure location.
Verify backup schedule and retention
Check that automated backups are running and how long they are retained. Document the backup schedule and storage location.
Document connection credentials
Note where database connection strings, usernames, and passwords are stored. Do NOT put credentials directly in the vault entry.
Identify dependent applications
List all applications that connect to this database. If the database goes offline, these applications will fail.
Document Now Checklist
- Database type (Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, etc.)
- Hosting provider and location
- Connection credential storage location (NOT the credentials)
- Backup schedule and retention policy
- List all applications that depend on this database
Save this to your vault
When you document your accounts in Passed Plan, your family gets a personalized action plan — with only the guides that apply to them, in the right order, with your notes attached.
Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Production Database. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
WordPress.com
Document every WordPress.com site URL, admin login email, and whether each has a premium plan. Add a separate vault entry for each site if you manage multiple.
WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
Document every self-hosted WordPress site URL, hosting provider, wp-admin login, and database credentials. Add a separate vault entry for each site.
GitHub
GitHub has no formal memorialization process. Private repos become permanently inaccessible without account credentials. Add a trusted contact as org owner for any organizations you manage.
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