Detailed Answer

Short answer: To show asset transfers under Texas small‑estate procedures you will normally need a certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate, a completed small‑estate affidavit or other statutory affidavit authorized by the Texas Estates Code, and documentation proving ownership and the current value of each asset (bank statements, account numbers, vehicle titles, insurance policies, retirement account statements, and receipts or appraisals for personal property). You must follow Texas rules about which assets qualify for small‑estate collection and how to present the documents to third parties.

What Texas law covers small‑estate collection

Texas law allows certain collections of a decedent’s personal property without full probate by use of sworn affidavits and other simplified procedures. See Texas Estates Code, Chapter 205 for collection of certain personal property without administration: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/htm/ES.205.htm. Read the statute carefully to confirm eligibility for an affidavit and any dollar limits or exclusions that apply.

Core documents you will need to prove transfers under small‑estate procedures

• Certified death certificate(s) — multiple certified copies. Third parties (banks, title companies, motor vehicle offices, insurers) typically require a certified copy before releasing assets.
• Small‑estate affidavit or statutory affidavit — a signed, sworn affidavit that meets the requirements of the Estates Code. This affidavit usually identifies the affiant (person collecting assets), the decedent, heirs or beneficiaries, the assets being collected, and a statement that no administration is pending.
• Proof of ownership for each asset — documents that show the decedent owned the asset at death. Examples:
  • Bank and brokerage: account statements, copies of passbooks, account numbers, signature cards.
  • Cash or checks: front/back copies, ledger entries, canceled checks.
  • Vehicles: vehicle title (original preferred), registration, VIN and title application forms.
  • Insurance and retirement plans: beneficiary designation forms and latest statements showing the account or policy and named beneficiaries.
  • Personal property of value (jewelry, antiques): receipts, photographs, written descriptions, or professional appraisals.
• Proof of relationship or right to collect — documents that show you are the person entitled to collect (heir, spouse, beneficiary, or legatee). This can be:
  • A copy of the will (if applicable), or
  • An affidavit of heirship (where appropriate) or sworn statements identifying next of kin, or
  • Signed statements from co‑heirs/beneficiaries if multiple people share rights.
• Valuation evidence — documentation supporting the current value of assets if the small‑estate process has a statutory dollar limit or if the third party requests proof of value (recent statements, appraisals, or invoices).
• Identification and contact information for the person collecting — government ID, address, phone number, and a notarized signature on required affidavits.

Special notes for particular asset types

• Bank and investment accounts: Banks may accept the small‑estate affidavit but often have their own internal forms and policies. Provide the affidavit plus recent account statements and certified death certificate copies.
• Vehicles: Present the vehicle title (if you have it), the small‑estate affidavit, certified death certificate, and the Texas title transfer form required by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Some counties require an affidavit plus an application—call the local county tax office.
• Life insurance and retirement accounts: These usually pass to named beneficiaries outside of probate. Provide the insurer’s beneficiary claim forms, certified death certificate, and beneficiary ID. If no beneficiary is named, the account may need to be collected under estate procedures.
• Real property: Most Texas small‑estate affidavits cover personal property only. Real property (real estate) often requires formal probate or a different statutory remedy; do not assume a small‑estate affidavit transfers real estate. See the Estates Code and consult an attorney for real property issues: Texas Estates Code, Ch. 205.

How to present records and complete transfers

1. Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate from the county that issued it.
2. Complete the required small‑estate affidavit form under the Estates Code. Have the affidavit notarized and keep original notarized copy.
3. Gather ownership documents and recent statements for each asset and compile a clear inventory list showing description and estimated value.
4. Contact each institution (bank, insurer, DMV, title company) in advance to learn their specific requirements; some banks require their own affidavit forms in addition to the statutory affidavit.
5. Deliver the affidavit, death certificate, and ownership evidence to the institution. Retain copies and get written receipt of any turnover.
6. If a third party refuses to release an asset, consider asking for a written reason and consult a probate attorney or file a small probate proceeding if necessary.

Common problems and how the records solve them

• Disputed ownership — provide account statements, titles, and beneficiary forms to show who held rights at death.
• Dollar‑limit issues — present clear valuations (statements, appraisals) so you can confirm whether the estate qualifies for affidavit collection.
• Banks demanding probate — show a correct, statutory small‑estate affidavit, certified death certificate, and bank statements; if refusal continues, request written denial and consult counsel.

Helpful Hints

• Order several certified copies of the death certificate early — institutions routinely request them.
• Prepare a clear inventory with asset descriptions, account numbers, current balances, and locations to streamline communications with banks and agencies.
• Check whether a particular asset passes by beneficiary designation (life insurance, retirement accounts) — those often bypass small‑estate affidavits.
• Keep originals of titles and signed forms secure; provide certified copies only when requested.
• Confirm whether a particular asset is considered real property; real estate typically cannot be collected via personal‑property small‑estate affidavits.
• Ask the institution what proof they require before you visit — banks and DMV offices can have different checklists.
• If multiple heirs share rights, get written agreement or releases from co‑heirs to avoid later disputes.
• When in doubt about statutory limits, contested claims, or complex assets (business interests, foreign accounts), consult a probate attorney licensed in Texas.

Disclaimer: This article explains general principles under Texas law for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws change and specific situations differ. For advice about a particular estate or to prepare affidavits or filings, consult a licensed Texas attorney.