Documents Needed for an Inheritance Claim: Complete Checklist

To claim an inheritance, you typically need a certified death certificate, government-issued ID, proof of your beneficiary status (such as the will or trust document), and any probate court paperwork. The exact documents depend on the type of assets you're inheriting and whether probate is required.

This guide provides a complete checklist of documents you may need, organized by situation.

Essential Documents for Any Inheritance Claim

These documents are required for virtually all inheritance claims:

1. Certified Death Certificate

Why it's needed: Proves the person has passed away and triggers the legal process.

How to get it:

• Funeral home typically orders initial copies
• Order additional copies from the county vital records office or state health department
• Many institutions require certified copies (with raised seal)—not photocopies

How many to get: Order 10-15 certified copies. You'll need them for:

• Each bank and financial institution
• Insurance companies
• Social Security Administration
• Courts and government agencies
• Real estate transfers

Cost: Typically $10-25 per certified copy

2. Government-Issued Photo ID

Why it's needed: Proves you are who you say you are.

Acceptable forms:

• Driver's license
• State ID card
• Passport
• Military ID

Note: Some institutions require two forms of ID.

3. Your Social Security Number

Why it's needed: Required for tax reporting and identity verification.

What to provide:

• Your SSN (not the deceased's)
• May need to provide SSN card or document showing your number

4. Proof of Your Relationship to the Deceased

Why it's needed: Establishes your legal connection.

Documents that prove relationship:

• Birth certificate (for children)
• Marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Adoption papers (for adopted children)
• Death certificates of intermediate relatives (for grandchildren, etc.)

Documents Based on How You're Inheriting

If There's a Will (Testate Estate)

The will itself:

• Original will (required for probate)
• Certified copy of will (once admitted to probate)

Probate court documents:

• Letters Testamentary (authorizes executor to act)
• Court order admitting will to probate
• Certified copies of probate filings

If you're the executor:

• Executor bond (if required)
• Court appointment documentation

If There's No Will (Intestate Estate)

Documents proving heirship:

• Affidavit of heirship (sworn statement identifying heirs)
• Family tree documentation
• Birth/death certificates showing family relationships

Probate court documents:

• Letters of Administration (authorizes administrator)
• Court determination of heirs
• Small estate affidavit (if estate qualifies)

If There's a Trust

Trust documents:

• Copy of the trust agreement
• Certificate of trust (summary document)
• Trustee acceptance or appointment
• Trust amendments (if any)

Note: Trusts typically don't require probate, which can simplify the process.

Documents by Asset Type

Different assets require different documentation:

Bank Accounts

For POD accounts: If you're the named beneficiary on a payable-on-death account, you may only need the death certificate and your ID—no probate required.

Investment and Brokerage Accounts

• Death certificate (certified)
• Letters Testamentary or Administration
• Medallion signature guarantee (for some transfers)
• Transfer forms (provided by institution)
• Beneficiary designation forms (if TOD account)
• Tax identification number (your SSN or estate's EIN)

Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, Pension)

• Death certificate (certified)
• Beneficiary claim form (provided by plan)
• Your photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• Beneficiary designation on file

Note: Retirement accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries—typically no probate needed.

Life Insurance

• Death certificate (certified)
• Claim form (provided by insurance company)
• Your photo ID
• Your Social Security number
• Policy number (helpful but not always required)

Processing time: Life insurance typically pays within 2-4 weeks of submitting complete documentation.

Real Estate

• Death certificate (certified)
• Letters Testamentary or Administration
• Deed showing deceased's ownership
• Court order authorizing transfer
• Affidavit of survivorship (for joint tenancy)
• Beneficiary deed documentation (if applicable)
• Title insurance (when selling)

For joint ownership with right of survivorship: You may only need the death certificate and an affidavit—no probate required.

Vehicles

• Death certificate (certified)
• Title showing deceased's ownership
• Letters Testamentary or Administration
• Affidavit for small estate transfer (in many states)
• Your photo ID
• Proof of insurance

Tip: Check your state's DMV requirements—many states have simplified procedures for transferring vehicles.

Documents for Inheritance Advance Applications

If you need cash before probate closes, an inheritance advance company typically requires:

Required Documents

1. Death certificate – Certified copy
2. Proof you're a beneficiary – Will, trust document, or court determination
3. Probate case information – Case number, court location, executor contact
4. Your identification – Government-issued photo ID
5. Estate value estimate – Approximate total value and your expected share

Helpful But Not Always Required

• Attorney contact information
• Recent probate court filings
• Inventory of estate assets
• Timeline estimate for probate closing

Processing time: With complete documentation, most inheritance advances fund within 24-48 hours.

How to Obtain Missing Documents

Death Certificate

If you don't have one:

1. Contact the funeral home
2. Order from county vital records office
3. Request from state health department
4. Use VitalChek.com (authorized third-party service)

Cost: $10-25 per certified copy Timeline: 1-2 weeks by mail; same-day pickup sometimes available

Birth or Marriage Certificates

Options:

• County clerk or recorder's office where event occurred
• State vital records office
• VitalChek.com
• Local health department

Cost: $10-30 per certified copy Timeline: 1-4 weeks

Court Documents

How to obtain:

• Visit the courthouse clerk's office
• Request by mail with case number
• Check if online access is available
• Ask the estate attorney for copies

Cost: Usually $1-5 per page for copies

Lost or Missing Will

If you can't find the will:

1. Check with the deceased's attorney
2. Search safe deposit boxes (may require court order)
3. Check with the probate court (some people file wills in advance)
4. Contact family members who might have a copy

Note: Only the original will can typically be admitted to probate. Copies may work in some circumstances with additional court procedures.

Document Organization Tips

Create a Folder System

Organize documents into categories:

1. Death and identity – Death certificates, your ID
2. Estate documents – Will, trust, probate filings
3. Financial accounts – Bank statements, investment accounts
4. Insurance – Life insurance policies, claim forms
5. Real estate – Deeds, property tax records
6. Correspondence – Letters from executor, court notices

Make Copies

• Keep originals in a safe place
• Make copies for each institution you're dealing with
• Scan documents digitally as backup
• Note which institutions need certified copies vs. photocopies

Track Submissions

Create a log of:

• What documents you sent
• To whom and when
• Expected response timeline
• Follow-up dates

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Institution Wants Original Documents

Solution: Most institutions will accept certified copies. If they insist on originals, ask for them back or if they can make a copy and certify it themselves.

Problem: Names Don't Match

Solution: You may need additional documentation to explain name differences:

• Marriage certificate (for name change)
• Court order (for legal name change)
• Affidavit explaining the discrepancy

Problem: Can't Find Key Documents

Solution:

• Order replacements from issuing agencies
• Petition the court for help locating records
• Ask the estate attorney for assistance
• Check with other family members

Problem: Documents From Another Country

Solution: Foreign documents may need:

• Certified translation
• Apostille (international certification)
• Authentication from the embassy

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to claim an inheritance?

At minimum: a certified death certificate, your government-issued ID, and proof of your beneficiary status (will, trust document, or court determination). For assets in probate, you'll also need Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Do I need the original will to claim an inheritance?

For probate, yes—courts typically require the original will. As a beneficiary, you don't need to provide the original; the executor handles that. You may receive a certified copy of the probated will.

How many death certificates do I need?

Order 10-15 certified copies. Each bank, insurance company, and government agency typically requires their own certified copy. Running out and reordering causes delays.

How long does it take to get documents?

Death certificates: 1-2 weeks. Court documents: varies, but typically within a week if you visit in person. Vital records (birth/marriage certificates): 1-4 weeks.

Can I use photocopies instead of certified copies?

Sometimes. Internal paperwork often allows photocopies, but official transfers usually require certified copies with raised seals. When in doubt, use certified copies.

What if I'm missing documentation?

Contact the estate executor or attorney first—they may have copies. Otherwise, request replacements from the issuing agency. Most documents can be reordered.

Start Your Inheritance Claim

Having the right documents ready speeds up the inheritance process. If you have questions about what you need or are waiting for probate to close, help is available.