Documents Needed to Close a Bank Account After Death
The Document Package Banks Require
Every bank's estate services department needs the same core set of documents before they'll release funds from a deceased person's account. Missing even one will delay the process by weeks.
Certified death certificate. Must feature a raised seal, multicolored ink signature, or security watermark. Standard photocopies and digital scans are rejected. Order 10 to 15 certified copies from the vital records office or funeral home — you'll need them for multiple institutions.
Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. If there's a will, the probate court issues Letters Testamentary to the named executor. If there's no will, the court issues Letters of Administration to an appointed administrator. Most banks require these to be dated within 60 to 90 days of presentation — expired letters mean another trip to the courthouse.
Your government-issued photo ID. Original, unexpired driver's license or passport. Two forms may be required: a primary photo ID and a secondary ID like a credit card or utility bill in your name.
The estate's EIN. An estate is a separate taxable entity. The IRS assigns an Employer Identification Number through an online application that takes about 15 minutes. You'll receive Form CP 575 (EIN Confirmation Letter) immediately — download it before the session times out. Banks need this to open the estate checking account where frozen funds will transfer.
Where to Get Each Document
| Document | Source | Format Required | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | County vital records office or funeral director | Raised seal or security watermark | Depends on the state and request method |
| Letters Testamentary | Probate court (county where deceased lived) | Court-certified copy, clerk's signature and stamp | After court appointment; timing depends on the court |
| Letters of Administration | Probate court (no-will estates) | Same as above | After court appointment; timing depends on the court |
| EIN (Form CP 575) | IRS.gov online application | Digital download | Immediate (Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET) |
The Two Most Common Rejection Reasons
Expired Letters. Courts issue Letters Testamentary with a date stamp. Many banks won't accept them if they're more than 60 to 90 days old. If you have multiple banks to contact, start with the largest accounts and request fresh certified copies from the court if the process stretches beyond two months.
Photocopied death certificates. Banks require certified copies, not photocopies of certified copies. The difference matters: a certified copy comes directly from the vital records office with an original seal. A photocopy of that document — even a high-quality color copy — will be rejected.
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POD Accounts Need Fewer Documents
If the account has a Payable-on-Death beneficiary designation, the named beneficiary doesn't need court letters. They need only:
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
- Account numbers or the deceased's identifying details (name, SSN, date of birth)
The beneficiary contacts the bank's estate services department, fills out a claim form, and receives the funds within 3 to 10 business days.
Small Estate Affidavit as an Alternative
For estates below state-specific thresholds, a small estate affidavit can replace Letters Testamentary entirely. You file a sworn statement with the bank instead of going through probate court. Thresholds range from $10,000 (Georgia) to $208,850 (California), and most states require a waiting period of 10 to 40 days after the death.
The Bank Accounts & Financial Claims After Death toolkit includes a document organizer checklist, the exact phone scripts for contacting each bank's estate department, and a tracker for managing claims across multiple institutions.
Get Your Free Bank Accounts & Financial Claims After Death — Quick-Start Checklist
Download the Bank Accounts & Financial Claims After Death — Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.