Funeral Documents Checklist: What You May Need

Collect government-issued identification

Funeral homes and agencies need accurate legal identification for filings.

Locate birth, marriage, and divorce records

Vital records may be required for death certificates, benefits, and property transfers.

Search home files, safe deposit boxes, and county records.
If originals are missing, note where certificates can be reordered.
Marriage and divorce records may affect survivor benefits and estate distribution.
Maiden names and prior surnames should be recorded for the death certificate.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Death Certificate Guide How to request certified copies and what you'll need.

Find prepaid funeral and cemetery documents

Contracts, deeds, and insurance assignments can change how arrangements are funded.

Search for preneed contracts, burial insurance, cemetery deeds, and plot maps.
Contact the listed funeral home or cemetery before purchasing duplicate services.
Review whether contracts are transferable or refundable.
Provide contract numbers and agent contacts to the family coordinator.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Find Funeral Services Browse funeral, memorial, and end-of-life service providers.

Gather military service and veteran records

Veterans may qualify for burial benefits, honors, pensions, or headstone allowances.

Look for the DD Form 214 or other discharge paperwork.
Note service branch, dates, rank, and VA claim numbers if known.
Contact the VA or a county veterans service officer for benefit guidance.
Military honors may require advance coordination with the funeral provider.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Funeral Resource Center Guides and articles for funeral planning decisions.

Collect life insurance and annuity policies

Policies may help pay for funeral costs and support survivors.

Locate the will, trust, and executor information

Estate documents identify who has authority to make financial and legal decisions.

Check with the person's attorney, safe deposit box, or county probate records.
Identify the named executor, trustee, or personal representative.
Do not distribute property until the responsible person understands legal requirements.
Consult a qualified professional if the estate is complex or disputed.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Find Estate and Legal Services

Compile employment and retirement benefit records

Employers and plan administrators may offer survivor benefits or final wages.

Request certified copies of the death certificate

Most agencies and financial institutions require certified copies, not photocopies.

Ask the funeral provider how certificates are ordered in your area.
Estimate how many copies you need based on accounts, property, and insurance claims.
Typical needs may include banks, insurers, DMV, pension offices, and property transfers.
Store at least one original in a secure location.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

View the Death Certificate Guide How to request certified copies and what you'll need.

Notify Social Security and other government agencies

Report the death to agencies that administer benefits or identification.

This may include:

Social Security Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
State motor vehicle agency
Passport office
Voter registration office
Public benefits programs
Medicare or Medicaid administrators

Requirements vary by location and individual circumstances.

Create a master document tracker for the family

Track what has been found, copied, submitted, and still outstanding.

List each document, its location, who has custody, and whether copies were sent.
Note deadlines for benefit claims and tax filings.
Share the tracker with the executor and other helpers to avoid duplicate work.
Store digital copies securely and limit access to sensitive information.

Helpful Resources

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Funeral Planning Checklist Keep funeral plans and important details organized.

Funeral Documents Checklist

Your Progress

Collect government-issued identification

Locate birth, marriage, and divorce records

Find prepaid funeral and cemetery documents

Gather military service and veteran records

Collect life insurance and annuity policies

Locate the will, trust, and executor information

Compile employment and retirement benefit records

Request certified copies of the death certificate

Notify Social Security and other government agencies

Create a master document tracker for the family