Quick answer

If the brokerage account has a valid beneficiary designation (transfer-on-death, payable-on-death) or is owned jointly with rights of survivorship, the asset usually moves directly to the named person(s) when you give the broker a certified death certificate and any required beneficiary forms. If the account is solely in the deceased person’s name with no payable-on-death/TOD or surviving joint owner, the brokerage will generally require a court appointment of a personal representative (probate) or proof under Idaho’s procedures for small estates before it will transfer or pay out funds to an estate checking account.

Detailed answer — step-by-step process under Idaho law

1. Identify how the account is titled

Before contacting the brokerage, check the account registration on statements or online: common outcomes are

• Transfer-on-Death (TOD) or Payable-on-Death (POD) beneficiary — passes outside probate to the named beneficiary on record.
• Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship — passes to the surviving owner on proof of death.
• Account in decedent’s sole name with no beneficiary — generally subject to probate and becomes part of the probate estate.
• Account already titled to a trust — follows the trust terms and usually avoids probate.

2. Contact the brokerage and ask what they require

Every firm has a specific checklist. Typical items the brokerage will request:

• Certified copy of the death certificate (originals are rarely returned).
• Identification for the person requesting the transfer.
• Beneficiary forms (if a TOD/POD exists) or transfer/claim forms the brokerage supplies.
• If the account is part of the estate, the brokerage will ask for court papers showing appointment as personal representative (often called “letters testamentary” or “letters of administration”) or a small estate affidavit if the estate qualifies under Idaho procedures.
• If transferring proceeds to an estate checking account, the brokerage may want the estate’s bank information and/or a check payable to the estate or to the personal representative for deposit to the estate account.

3. If a beneficiary or TOD/POD is in place

Provide the broker with a certified death certificate and the beneficiary’s identifying documents. The broker will typically transfer ownership directly to the beneficiary or pay out proceeds. That transfer generally does not require probate in Idaho when the beneficiary designation is valid and current.

4. If there is no beneficiary and probate is needed

To move assets into an estate checking account you will usually need to:

1. Open probate in the county where the decedent lived and be appointed by the court as the personal representative. Idaho Probate and Trust law is located in Idaho Code Title 15; see the Title 15 index for relevant probate procedures: Idaho Code — Title 15 (Probate & Trust Law).
2. Use the court-issued appointment letters (or equivalent court order) to present to the brokerage. The brokerage will accept those papers as authority to transfer or liquidate the account and deposit proceeds to an estate checking account.
3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the estate from the IRS (the broker will require the estate’s TIN for tax reporting).
4. Decide whether to transfer securities in-kind into an estate brokerage account (many brokers offer estate or fiduciary accounts) or sell securities and deposit the cash into the estate checking account.

5. When small-estate procedures can avoid probate

Idaho law provides for non‑probate collection procedures for certain smaller estates. If the estate qualifies, a small-estate affidavit or a similar summary process may let an eligible claimant collect personal property from a brokerage without full probate. Check the Idaho probate rules and local county forms or court clerk for the exact procedure and eligibility criteria: Idaho Code — Title 15. The brokerage must accept the affidavit format the state allows and may still have its own internal forms.

6. Brokerage holds and timing

Expect delays. Brokerages often place a temporary freeze on accounts when they learn of a death and will not release funds until they receive proper documents. Once you submit required paperwork, transfers or sales can take days to weeks depending on the institution and whether probate is required.

7. Tax and valuation issues to track

• Get the date‑of‑death value of the securities (brokerage statements and market quotes) and keep documentation — you will need this for estate accounting and potential tax returns.
• Be aware of federal tax consequences (e.g., basis adjustments, estate tax thresholds) and any Idaho-related reporting. Idaho currently follows federal rules for basis adjustments; consult a tax advisor for specifics.

Typical documents and items to gather

• Certified death certificate (multiple copies).
• Original will (if any) or knowledge of whether a trust exists.
• Court appointment papers showing you are the personal representative (if probate is used).
• Estate EIN (from the IRS).
• Brokerage beneficiary documentation or transfer forms.
• Photo ID for the person requesting transfers.
• Estate checking account information (bank name, account number) and instructions for how the broker should deliver funds or checks.

When to hire an attorney

Consider legal help if any of the following apply:

• The account is large, complex, or includes restricted securities.
• There is no will, or the will is contested.
• You expect disputes among heirs or creditors.
• You need help with probate filings, estate tax issues, or fiduciary accounting.

Helpful hints

• Start by calling the brokerage’s probate or estate department. They will give you their specific checklist and forms.
• Order several certified death certificates right away — institutions almost always want certified copies.
• Keep strict records. Record every communication, every form sent, and every transfer or sale.
• Do not commingle estate funds with your personal funds. Open a dedicated estate checking account once you have authority to do so.
• If you will sell securities, consider market conditions and tax consequences. Speak with a financial or tax advisor before large, rapid liquidations.
• If you believe the account should pass by beneficiary designation but the broker says otherwise, ask the broker to point to the specific registration or form in their records and confirm whether you can update account paperwork only after transfer.
• Be patient: brokers and courts both have processing timelines. Follow up in writing if things stall.
• Check local probate court websites or contact the probate clerk for county-specific procedures and forms.