How Many Death Certificates Are Needed?

*The below information is intended to act as a guide, is not legal advice and could change without notice.*

Social Security (Personal Alternative informs Social Security via fax)
Bank Accounts (Local)
Motor Vehicle Licensing
Credit Cards (fax them and keep the fax confirmation sheet for your records)
Local Energy Company (fax them and keep the fax confirmation sheet for your records)
Cellular Phone Accounts (fax them and keep the fax confirmation sheet for your records)
Filing a will with the local courthouse

401k (Held by a stockbroker-the stockbroker should be able to handle multiple sales with one death certificate)
Any stock certificates held in note form, not held in trust
Retirement Pension – State
Retirement Company Pension Plan
Military Benefits (Free VA copy is issued specifically for VA Benefits)
Life Insurance Policies (Life insurance policies will require an original and death certificate won’t be returned)
Some mortgages are life insured
Some vehicle are insured for their payments
Out of state property transfer, vehicles, RVs, houses, etc.
Closing out of state bank accounts
When someone has a rental storage space it is often required to give them an original for their records
Closing a corporation, LLC, etc.
For each child under the age of 18, we recommend having a death certificate for that child. There are many reasons why they will require a death certificate in the future, as an example, universities offer assistance to orphaned children.
When forwarding human remains to another country, many consulates require an original for their records
When burying or scattering ashes in some states, an original death certificate is required by the cemetery or scattering service (Washington state does not). As a rule of thumb, anytime you will be getting funds back, you will in most cases require an original death certificate.