Banks require a death certificate, proof you have authority over the estate, and identification before they will open an account in the estate's name
An estate bank account is a separate account held in the name of the estate itself — not in your personal name — where money owed to the deceased or inherited by the estate sits while the estate is being settled. Banks will not open one without three things: an original or certified copy of the death certificate, a document proving you have legal authority to manage the estate (usually letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court), and a government-issued ID in your name.
The exact documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but these three are standard everywhere. Some banks also ask for the estate's tax identification number (EIN), which you get from the IRS, though you can often obtain that after opening the account. The process usually takes one to two weeks from the time you walk in with all documents, though some banks move faster.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified death certificate, not a photocopy, to open an estate account at any bank.
- The probate court document proving your authority — letters testamentary if there is a will, letters of administration if there is not — is required by every bank.
- Banks will ask for your government-issued ID and may ask for the estate's federal tax ID number (EIN) before opening the account.
- Call the bank's trust or estate department before you visit, because different branches sometimes have different requirements and some need appointments.
The death certificate: original or certified copy only
Banks will not accept a photocopy of a death certificate, even if you made it yourself from an original. They need either the original document issued by the vital records office or a certified copy — a photocopy stamped and signed by the vital records office or a court clerk stating it is a true copy of the original.
You can order certified copies from the county or state vital records office where the death was recorded. Most states allow you to order by mail, phone, or online, and certified copies usually cost between $15 and $30 each. Order at least two or three copies because you will need them for the bank, the IRS, insurance companies, and possibly the probate court. Processing time ranges from a few days to two weeks depending on the state and how you order.
Proof of authority: letters testamentary or letters of administration
The probate court issues a document that tells the bank you have the legal right to act on behalf of the estate. If the deceased left a will, the court issues letters testamentary naming you as executor. If there is no will, the court issues letters of administration naming you as administrator. Both documents serve the same purpose at the bank: they prove you can open accounts, move money, and make decisions about the estate's assets.
You get these documents by filing the will (if one exists) or a petition with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived. The court then schedules a hearing, which in many states is brief and routine. Once the judge approves, the court clerk issues the letters. The whole process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on the state and whether anyone contests the will.
Bring the original letters to the bank, not a photocopy. Some banks will make a copy for their file and return the original to you. If you need multiple copies for different banks or institutions, ask the court clerk to issue certified copies when you receive the letters the first time.
Your identification and the estate's tax ID number
Bring a government-issued photo ID in your name — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank uses this to verify you are the person named in the letters testamentary or letters of administration.
Banks often ask for the estate's federal tax identification number (EIN) when you open the account. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS by filing Form SS-4, which takes about 15 minutes and can be done online, by phone, or by mail. The IRS usually issues the number immediately if you apply by phone or online. However, many banks will open the account without the EIN and let you provide it later, so do not delay opening the account if you have not received it yet.
What to bring to the bank: a checklist
| Document | Original or Copy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Original or certified copy | Photocopies are not accepted. Order from vital records office. |
| Letters testamentary or letters of administration | Original | From the probate court. Some banks copy it and return the original. |
| Your government-issued photo ID | Original | Driver's license, passport, or state ID card. |
| Estate tax ID number (EIN) | Written copy or Form SS-4 | Optional at opening; many banks allow you to provide it later. |
How to prepare before you visit the bank
Call the bank's trust department or the branch where you want to open the account and ask what documents they need. Some large banks have a dedicated estate services team; smaller banks may handle it at the main branch. Ask whether you need an appointment and whether they have a specific form for estate accounts.
Gather your documents before you call: the death certificate, the court letters, and your ID. If you do not yet have the court letters, ask the probate court how long the process takes in your state and whether you can open the account before the hearing. Some banks will hold an account open temporarily while you wait for the court documents, though this is less common.
Ask the bank whether they charge a fee to open an estate account. Most do not, but some charge a small monthly maintenance fee or require a minimum balance. If the bank's terms do not work for you, you can open the account at a different bank — there is no rule that says you must use the bank where the deceased had personal accounts.
After the account opens: what happens next
Once the account is open, you can deposit checks made out to the estate, transfer money from the deceased's personal accounts (after those are closed), and hold funds that are owed to the estate. You cannot withdraw money from the estate account for personal use — all withdrawals must be for legitimate estate expenses or distributions to heirs as directed by the will or state law.
Keep detailed records of every deposit and withdrawal. You will need these records for the final accounting you file with the probate court and for the estate's tax return. Some banks provide monthly statements; ask for them even if you do not need them immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an estate account if the probate court has not yet issued the letters?
Some banks will open a temporary account while you wait for the court documents, but most require the letters before they will open a permanent account. Call ahead and ask. If the bank will not wait, you can deposit checks into your personal account temporarily and transfer them to the estate account once it opens, though this creates extra paperwork.
What if the deceased had accounts at multiple banks?
You will likely need to open an estate account at each bank where the deceased held accounts, or consolidate everything into one estate account at a single bank. Consolidating is simpler — you close the deceased's accounts and transfer the money to the new estate account — but it takes longer. Ask each bank what their process is.
Do I need the original letters testamentary or can I use a photocopy?
Banks prefer the original, but many will accept a certified copy made by the court clerk. Call the bank first to confirm. If you need the original for another institution at the same time, ask the court to issue multiple certified copies when you receive the letters.
How long does it take to open an estate account once I have all the documents?
Most banks open an estate account within one to two weeks of receiving all required documents. Some move faster if you visit in person. Call the bank to ask for a timeline specific to their process.
What if the bank says they cannot open an estate account?
Some smaller banks do not offer estate accounts. If your bank declines, open the account at a larger bank that does, or ask whether you can use a trust account instead. You can also ask the probate court whether there are any restrictions on where you can hold estate funds.