What documents do I need to claim my father's money after his death?
Three documents are needed by every institution: the death certificate, your own PAN and address proof, and the institution's own claim form. Beyond those, what is asked for depends on two things — whether a nominee was registered, and how much is involved. With a nominee, that is nearly all. Without one, add an affidavit of heirship, no-objection letters from the other heirs and an indemnity bond; above the institution's limit, a succession certificate from a court.
The documents every claim needs
The death certificate, original or attested. The claimant's PAN and an address proof such as Aadhaar or passport. The institution's own claim form, which differs bank to bank and fund to fund. A cancelled cheque for the account the money should go to. And the original passbook, deposit receipt, policy document or share certificate where one exists.
Where there is a nominee
The nominee's KYC and the nominee claim form are usually enough. The Reserve Bank expects banks to settle a nominee's claim within fifteen days of receiving complete documents. Remember that receiving the money as nominee does not make it yours: the Supreme Court held in Shakti Yezdani v Jayanand Salgaonkar (2023) that a nominee holds for the legal heirs.
Where there is no nominee
Add an affidavit of heirship listing every surviving legal heir, a no-objection letter from each heir who is not claiming, and an indemnity bond on stamp paper. Many banks also ask for a legal heir certificate from the tahsildar, and some for two sureties above a limit.
Above the institution's internal threshold, none of that suffices and a succession certificate from a civil court is insisted on — a process that needs an advocate and takes six months or more. Ask each institution in writing what it will accept before starting one.
Find out what your case needs
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Last reviewed 2026-08-31. This is general information, not legal advice. Institution requirements change — confirm before you file.