The documents a bank will ask for when you open an estate account
To open an estate bank account, you will need to bring the death certificate, proof of your authority (usually the will or court paperwork naming you as executor or administrator), and a form of identification for yourself. The bank will also ask for the deceased person's Social Security number and, in most cases, a Tax Identification Number for the estate — a separate number the IRS issues to the estate itself, not the person who died.
Different banks have slightly different requirements, so calling ahead to ask what they need will save you a trip. Some banks ask for a certified copy of the death certificate; others accept a regular copy. Some want the original court paperwork; others will photocopy it in front of you. A few minutes on the phone with the bank's trust or estate department will tell you exactly what to bring.
Key Takeaways
- You will need the death certificate, proof of your authority as executor or administrator, and your own identification to open an estate account.
- The estate itself needs its own Tax Identification Number from the IRS, which you request on Form SS-4 before or when you open the account.
- Most banks require a certified copy of the death certificate, though some accept regular copies — call ahead to confirm what your bank needs.
- You must bring court paperwork (like letters testamentary or letters of administration) that shows you have legal authority to manage the estate's money.
- The account will be held in the estate's name, not your personal name, and the bank will flag it as an estate account in their system.
Getting the death certificate and certified copies
The death certificate is the foundation document. It is issued by the county or state where the person died, usually through the vital records office or the funeral home. You will need multiple copies — typically at least three or four — because banks, the IRS, insurance companies, and other institutions will each want one.
When you order copies, ask for certified copies, which have an official seal and are accepted everywhere. A regular photocopy may work for some purposes, but certified copies are the safest choice and cost only a few dollars more per copy. The funeral home can often order them for you, or you can contact the vital records office in the county where the death occurred.
Obtaining your authority to manage the estate's money
The bank needs to see proof that you have the legal right to control the estate's accounts. This proof comes from the court and takes different forms depending on whether there was a will and whether the estate went through probate.
If there was a will and the estate went through probate court, you will have letters testamentary (if you are the executor named in the will) or letters of administration (if the court appointed you because there was no will or the named executor cannot serve). These are official court documents that say you have the authority to manage the estate. If the estate is small and did not go through full probate, you may have an affidavit of small succession or similar paperwork from your state — ask the court clerk or your attorney what document proves your authority in your situation.
Bring the original or a certified copy. The bank will photocopy it and keep a copy in the file. Do not send originals by mail; bring them in person or ask the bank what they prefer.
The Tax Identification Number for the estate
The estate itself is treated as a separate taxpayer by the IRS, which means it needs its own Employer Identification Number, or EIN — sometimes called a Tax Identification Number. This is not the same as the deceased person's Social Security number. You request it using Form SS-4, which you can file online, by phone, or by mail with the IRS.
You can request the EIN before you open the bank account or at the same time. If you explore online or by phone, you get the number when ready. If you mail the form, it takes about two weeks. Many banks will open the account without the EIN if you have applied for one and can show them the confirmation, but calling ahead to ask what your bank will accept saves time.
The bank will ask for this number when you open the account. Write it down and keep it safe — you will need it for tax returns, IRS correspondence, and other estate business.
Your identification and the deceased person's information
Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify who you are before they let you open an account in the estate's name.
You will also need the deceased person's full legal name and Social Security number. The bank uses this to flag the account in their system and to comply with federal rules about accounts held for deceased people. Have the death certificate handy when you go to the bank, because the name on it must match the name on any accounts the deceased person had.
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is open, the bank will mark it as an estate account. This means the account is in the estate's name, not yours personally. You can deposit money into it, write checks from it, and manage it, but the bank's records will show it belongs to the estate and that you are acting as executor or administrator.
Keep all paperwork — the account opening documents, the bank's confirmation letter, and copies of the documents you brought. You will need these for tax returns, court filings if required, and to show beneficiaries or creditors that the money is being held properly.
Different banks, different processes
Large national banks and smaller community banks sometimes have different procedures. Some have a dedicated trust department that handles estate accounts; others route you to a regular branch manager. A bank that specializes in trust and estate work may ask for more detailed information upfront, but they often move faster because they know exactly what they need.
If the estate is large or complex, or if the deceased person had accounts at multiple banks, consider asking an estate attorney or the bank's trust department whether opening an estate account is the best approach for your situation. Sometimes it is simpler to work with existing accounts; sometimes a new account is cleaner. A brief conversation with someone who knows your specific facts will point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an estate account if the will is still being probated?
Yes. You can open the account as soon as you have court paperwork showing you have authority — usually letters testamentary or letters of administration. You do not have to wait for probate to finish. The bank will hold the money in the estate account while the process continues.
What if I do not have a certified copy of the death certificate yet?
Call the bank and ask if they will accept a regular copy while you order certified copies. Many will. If they will not, order certified copies from the vital records office in the county where the death occurred — the funeral home can tell you which county and how to order. Certified copies usually arrive within one to two weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to open an estate account?
No. You can open the account yourself with the documents listed above. However, if the estate is large, if there are multiple properties or accounts, or if there are disputes among heirs, an attorney can guide you through the process and make sure you are following the law correctly.
Can I use my personal bank account instead of opening an estate account?
No. Mixing estate money with your personal money can create legal and tax problems. The estate's money must be kept separate, and a dedicated estate account is the clearest way to do that. It also protects you by showing that you are handling the money properly and not taking it for yourself.
What if the bank says they cannot open an estate account?
Some smaller banks do not offer estate accounts. If your bank declines, ask them to refer you to another bank in your area that does, or contact a bank with a trust department. You can also ask an estate attorney for a recommendation — they work with banks regularly and know which ones handle estates smoothly.