The documents a bank will ask for when you open an estate account
Most banks will ask for three things before they open an estate account: proof that you have the legal right to manage the estate, identification for yourself as the person opening the account, and the deceased person's death certificate. The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by whether the estate has gone through probate court yet, but these three categories cover what nearly every institution requires.
If the estate is still in probate (meaning the court process is ongoing), you will need the court order that names you as executor or administrator. If probate is finished, you will need the letters testamentary or letters of administration — the final court document that closes the case and confirms your authority. Some banks accept a certified copy of the will plus a death certificate if probate has not started, but this is less common and depends on the bank's internal policy.
Bring your own government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank treats this account like any other and needs to verify who you are before opening it. You will also need the deceased person's Social Security number, which appears on the death certificate or on any estate documents you already have.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a court order naming you as executor or administrator, or letters testamentary or letters of administration if probate is complete.
- A certified copy of the death certificate is required by every bank and must come from the vital records office in the state where death occurred.
- Bring your own government-issued photo ID and be ready to provide the deceased person's Social Security number.
- Some banks require an EIN (employer identification number) for the estate, which you obtain from the IRS before opening the account.
- Call the bank's probate or trust department before you visit, because requirements vary and some banks have limited hours for these accounts.
Why banks require an EIN for estate accounts
An EIN (employer identification number) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to identify the estate as a separate tax entity. Once you open the account, any interest the estate earns will be reported to the IRS under that EIN, not under the deceased person's Social Security number. This separation is what allows the estate to file its own tax return.
You obtain an EIN by filing Form SS-4 with the IRS. You can do this online at irs.gov, by phone, by fax, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you get the number immediately after you submit the form. You do not need to wait for probate to be complete; you can request an EIN as soon as you have been named executor or administrator by the court.
Not every bank requires an EIN before opening the account, but most do. Some will allow you to open the account with the deceased person's Social Security number temporarily and then switch to the EIN once you have it. Call ahead and ask what the bank's policy is, because this can save you a trip back to the bank later.
How to get a certified death certificate
The death certificate must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where the person died, not a copy you print from a funeral home or hospital. Each state has a different vital records office — some are part of the health department, others are separate — and each charges a different fee, usually between $15 and $30 per copy.
You can order a certified death certificate by mail, phone, or online through the state's vital records website. Online is fastest if the state offers it; most states now do. You will need to provide the deceased person's full name, date of birth, date of death, and sometimes the county where death occurred. The office will mail you the certified copies, which typically arrive within one to three weeks.
Order at least three or four certified copies. You will need one for the bank, one for the IRS when you file the estate tax return, and one for any insurance companies or government agencies the estate deals with. Having extras on hand saves you from ordering again later.
What happens if the estate has not gone through probate yet
If the deceased person left a will but you have not filed it with the court yet, or if there is no will and you are still gathering documents, you may still be able to open an estate account. Some banks will accept a certified copy of the will plus the death certificate, along with a signed statement from you saying you intend to file for probate. This is less common than requiring a court order, so call the bank first.
Other banks will not open the account until you have at least filed the petition for probate with the court, even if the case is not yet decided. This usually takes a few weeks from the time you file. A few banks will wait until probate is complete, which can take several months or longer depending on the state and the complexity of the estate.
If the bank refuses to open an account without a court order, you have two options: wait for probate to progress far enough that the court issues a temporary order naming you as executor, or open a personal account in your own name and keep careful records of what money belongs to the estate. The second option is not ideal because it mixes your money with the estate's, but it works if you need to move quickly.
Documents to bring to the bank in person
| Document | What it is | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Court order naming you executor or administrator | The order from probate court that gives you authority to manage the estate | The probate court clerk's office |
| Certified death certificate | Official copy issued by the state vital records office | State vital records office in the state where death occurred |
| Your government-issued photo ID | Driver's license, passport, or state ID card | You already have this |
| EIN letter from the IRS | Confirmation that the estate has a tax ID number | IRS website (form SS-4) or by phone |
| Will or trust document (optional) | Proof of the deceased person's wishes, if one exists | The deceased person's files or attorney |
Which banks make opening an estate account easiest
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have dedicated probate departments that handle these accounts regularly and have clear procedures. They know what documents they need and can often tell you over the phone whether you have everything before you come in. The downside is that they may require more documentation than a smaller bank, and their probate departments sometimes have limited hours.
Community banks and credit unions are often more flexible about what they will accept, especially if the deceased person banked there. They may waive the EIN requirement temporarily or accept a will plus death certificate instead of a court order. Call the bank where the deceased person had accounts first — they already have the person's information on file and may move faster.
Some banks charge a monthly fee for estate accounts, while others do not. Ask about fees when you call. A few banks offer free estate accounts for a set period (often six months to a year) to give you time to settle the estate, then convert to a regular account or close it.
What to do if the bank asks for documents you do not have yet
If the bank asks for a court order but probate has not started, ask whether they will accept a temporary order or a petition filed with the court. Some courts issue temporary orders quickly — within days — that give you enough authority to open an account and pay bills while the full probate process moves forward. Call the probate court clerk and explain that you need this to manage the estate's finances.
If the bank asks for an EIN and you do not have one yet, ask whether you can open the account with the deceased person's Social Security number and update it later. Many banks will do this. Get the EIN from the IRS immediately after (it takes minutes online), then bring the EIN letter back to the bank to update the account.
If you cannot get a certified death certificate quickly — for example, if the death occurred in another country or if there is a delay at the vital records office — ask the bank whether they will accept a temporary document from the funeral home or hospital while you wait for the certified copy. Some will, some will not. If they will not, you may need to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an estate account before probate is finished?
Yes, if you have a court order naming you as executor or administrator. You do not have to wait for probate to close. Some banks will also accept a will plus death certificate if probate has not started, but this is less common. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept at your stage of the process.
Do I need a separate account, or can I use the deceased person's existing bank account?
You need a separate account in the estate's name. The deceased person's account is frozen when the bank learns of the death, and you cannot access it without a court order. An estate account is a new account opened in the name of the estate, with the EIN as the tax ID.
What if the deceased person had accounts at multiple banks?
You will likely need to open an estate account at each bank where the deceased person had money, or transfer the funds to one central estate account. Some banks make this easier than others. Ask each bank about their process for transferring funds out of the deceased person's account into the new estate account.
How long does it take to open an estate account?
If you have all the documents, most banks can open the account the same day or within one to two business days. If you are missing documents, it depends on how long it takes you to get them. A court order can take weeks to obtain, and a certified death certificate can take one to three weeks to arrive by mail.
Will the bank charge me a fee for the estate account?
Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for estate accounts, while others waive fees for a set period. A few charge no fee at all. Ask about fees when you call, because they vary widely. Some banks offer free accounts for six months to a year to give you time to settle the estate.