LinkedIn: get back in or close for good

What LinkedIn itself says, in plain words. We link to every source. Platform rules change, so check the link before you act. This is not legal advice.

Get back in

• LinkedIn can check your ID with Persona. You may need a government ID, and sometimes a selfie. LinkedIn gets a redacted copy, with some details hidden. It is generally deleted within 14 days. (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)
• In the UK, if you do not use Persona, you need a notarised Affidavit of Identity. (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)

Close it for good

• You need your password to close your account. In most cases you can reopen it within 14 days. (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)

• Without logging in, use the Data Deletion Form at linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/TS-DDF. It asks for:

  • first name
  • last name
  • email
  • the specific data to delete
  • an optional attachment
  (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)

Download your data first

• Go to Settings and Privacy, then Data Privacy, then Download your data. The link works for 72 hours. LinkedIn says this is "not available on mobile". (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)

If the person has died

• To memorialise the account, the request must come from a connection, or someone with the same last name.

  To close the account, LinkedIn asks for a death certificate plus one of these:

  • Letters of Administration
  • Letters of Testamentary
  • Letters of Representation
  • a court order
  (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)

Your username after deletion

• Not stated by the platform in the pages we checked.

Privacy contact, for letters

• Data Protection Officer (DPO) form, no login needed: linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/TSO-DPO. It asks for:

  • name
  • email
  • category (including "I am unable to login", "My account has been hacked" and "exercising my additional data subject rights")
  • country
  (Source: LinkedIn Help. Checked 25 October 2026.)
• Post (UK): c/o Data Protection Officer, 1000 W Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale CA. (Source: LinkedIn Privacy Policy. Checked 25 October 2026.)

Next steps