Does anyone require customers to bring a certified death certificate to prove death for a customer? If so, what do you do with the certified copy; do you scan and dispose of the original, or do you retain a paper copy for a period of time? Also, for loans, in the case of death would we ever need the original death certificate if we have to pursue legal payment?

Thanks in adavance!

Absolutely. It is a normal practice to get multiple copies of the death certificate for use in documenting death to various parties associated with decedent. It shouldn't come as a surprise to an executor or estate representative.

What about retaining the original death certificate after it has been scanned? Is the scanned copy sufficient for documentation, or should the original be retained also?

Consider any state requirements. In California, you have to keep an original certified copy of the death certificate for small estates (under $150,000 in CA) under the Probate code.

If there's a law, it's a state law. Over the years, I've had the chance to become familiar with the laws of 6 or 8 states and none had such a requirement.

In my experience, it's purely bank policy and reflects some flexibility. If I die and you go to the visitation at the funeral home it's nonsensical at best for you to tell my spouse she needs to bring in a copy, certified at that, of the death certificate. If you didn't know me or go to visitation, then a photocopy of a certified copy should suffice.

Like any other piece of paper, you should require it because you need it, not because you like the look of a nice plump file.

We will also accept notice from Social Security Administration (either through an ACH Death Notification Entry, or a comparison to the Death Master File) as official notice of death.