How many death certificates do I need?

Most families need around ten certified copies. Nearly every institution — banks, life insurers, brokerages, the DMV, benefits agencies — requires an original certified copy, not a photocopy. Ordering about ten through the funeral home at the outset is far cheaper and easier than requesting them one at a time later.

Who do you need to notify when someone dies?

In rough order: Social Security, the person's employer and pension, life insurers, banks and brokerages, the DMV, credit card companies, and the three credit bureaus (to prevent identity theft). Utilities, subscriptions, and online accounts can follow. The funeral home often reports the death to Social Security for you.

What is probate and is it always required?

Probate is the court process of settling an estate — validating the will, paying debts, and distributing what remains. It is not always required: assets with named beneficiaries or held jointly usually pass outside probate, and many states have a simplified process for small estates. An executor named in the will handles it.

Paperwork after a death: the documents and accounts to handle

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Published July 2026 · 9 min read

The documents you need after a death — death certificates, permits, the will and probate — and how to notify Social Security, insurers, banks, and credit bureaus, in a sensible order.

Where to start

The administrative side of a death is a marathon, not a sprint. Almost none of it is urgent in the first days, and doing it in a sensible order — documents first, then notifications, then the estate — keeps it manageable. This guide covers the paperwork; for the human and logistical steps, see what to do when someone dies.

One folder, ten certificates

Keep everything in a single folder, and order about ten certified death certificates up front — you will reach for them again and again.

The core documents

Death certificate. The master document. Order about ten certified copies (usually via the funeral home); almost everyone wants an original.
Burial or cremation permit. The legal authorization for disposition; the funeral home normally obtains it.
The will. Locate it — it names the beneficiaries and the executor who will settle the estate.
Personal records. Social Security number, birth and marriage certificates, military discharge papers (the DD-214, which unlocks veterans benefits), and insurance policies.

Who to notify

Work through these over the first weeks; the order matters less than not missing any:

A rough order for notifications. The funeral home frequently reports the death to Social Security on your behalf.
Who	Why	Notes
Social Security	Stop payments; claim survivor and $255 benefits	Funeral home often reports the death
Employer / pension	Final pay, benefits, retirement accounts	Ask about life insurance through work
Life insurers	File claims	Needs a certified death certificate
Banks & brokerages	Access and transfer accounts	Joint / payable-on-death accounts pass directly
Credit bureaus	Prevent identity theft	Notify Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
DMV, cards, utilities	Cancel or transfer	Can wait until the essentials are done

The will and estate

Settling the estate is the longest part. If there is a will, the named executor carries it out — often through probate, the court process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes what remains. Not everything goes through probate: life insurance, retirement accounts, and jointly held or payable-on-death assets pass directly to their named beneficiaries, and many states offer a simplified process for small estates.

When to get help

For a large or complicated estate — property, a business, disputes, or significant debt — a probate attorney is usually worth the cost. This guide is general information, not legal advice.