Death Certificates

DEATH CERTIFICATES

Before the business and legal issues of the estate can be pursued, it will be necessary to obtain certified copies of the death certificate. It is always better to order a few more than what you think you will need. Most agencies will only accept certified death certificates and not photocopies.

Certified copies of the Death Certificate may be required for the following Transactions

• Transfer of an individual CHECKING ACCOUNT or a "Joint" checking account if it is in the name of  more than one person without "or" "and/or" appearing in the account’s ownership.

• Transfer of an individual SAVINGS ACCOUNT OF A "Joint" savings account if it is not an and/or account                  

• Transfer of an individual SAFE DEPOSIT BOX or a safe deposit box in the name of other parties unless the ownership is taken as "or"

• Transfer of each TITLE OF OWNERSHIP FOR all registered motor vehicles. (Multiple manes on the title does not apply if the work "or" "and/or" appears on the title between the manes of the registered owners.) 

• One for each LIFE INSURANCE POLICY claim. (If there are multiple policies with one single  company, a separate certified copy of the death certificate may be required for each policy number.)

• One for each claim for BURIAL or FUNERAL INSURANCE plan.

• One for each death benefit claim from a UNION.

• Transfer of ownership of STOCK. One for each transaction of the stock if sold or transferred separately.

• Transfer or redemption of BONDS.

• Transfer or redemption of TREASURY BILLS (T-Bills), CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT (CD’S) and  MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS.

• To "roll-over" an IRA account.

• Federal and State Tax Returns