Death-certificate fees and processing time, by state.

• Bank & financial accountsusually needs a certified copyClose or transfer the deceased's checking, savings, and CD accounts and release funds to the estate or beneficiaries.About 1 certified copy per institutionsource
• Life-insurance death-benefit claimusually needs a certified copyFile a claim to receive a policy's death benefit, submitted with the insurer's claim form.About 1 certified copy per policy or insurersource
• Probate court estate filingusually needs a certified copyOpen the estate so an executor or administrator can be appointed to act on the decedent's behalf.About 1 certified copy filed with the petitionsource
• Pension, retirement & brokerage accountsusually needs a certified copyClaim or roll over inherited 401(k), IRA, or pension assets, or transfer brokerage holdings to the named beneficiary.About 1 certified copy per plan administrator or firmsource
• Vehicle title transferusually needs a certified copyTransfer the title of the deceased's vehicle to an heir, surviving spouse, or the estate (state DMV).About 1 certified copy per vehiclesource
• Social Security notificationusually no copy from the familyReport the death to stop or adjust benefits and start survivor benefits. The funeral home usually reports it via Form SSA-721.Usually none from the family — the funeral home notifies SSAsource
• IRS notice & final tax filingusually no copy from the familyNotify the IRS of the fiduciary relationship (Form 56) and file the decedent's final return; a certified copy is not usually attached.Usually 0–1; a certified copy is not normally required with the returnsource

This is a general guide, not legal or financial advice. Exact requirements vary by institution and state — some accept a photocopy or a digital upload, others require an original by mail. It’s common to order a couple of spare copies. When in doubt, ask each institution before you order.