Short answer

To use Washington’s small estate procedures you will need a certified death certificate, a properly completed small-estate affidavit or similar statutory form, clear documentation identifying each asset and its value, and proof that you are entitled to receive those assets (proof of heirship or beneficiary designation). You will also need records showing the actual transfer or release of each asset (bank releases, endorsed titles, receipts). Washington’s small estate rules are set out in chapter 11.62 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), so check that chapter for statutory language and exact procedural requirements: RCW Chapter 11.62.

Detailed answer — what courts and custodians will expect

Washington’s small estate procedures are intended to let eligible people collect a decedent’s personal property without formal probate. Because the process depends on the custodian (bank, insurer, brokerage, Department of Licensing for vehicle titles, etc.), you must present records that prove three basic things:

1. The person died (certified death certificate).
2. The estate qualifies for small estate treatment under Washington law (see RCW 11.62).
3. You (the affiant/claimant) are entitled to the property (will, beneficiary designation, family relationship documents, or an heirship affidavit).

In practice, custodians will expect documents that establish identity, value, ownership, and the act of transfer. Below is a detailed list of commonly required records and how to use them.

Core documents you should gather

• Certified death certificate — usually requested in multiple certified copies by banks, insurers, and government agencies.
• Small-estate affidavit — the statutory affidavit or form your county suggests; it should be completed, signed under oath, and notarized as required by RCW 11.62. (See RCW 11.62.)
• IDs for the affiant/claimant — government-issued photo ID to prove who is presenting the affidavit.
• Proof of heirship or beneficiary designation — marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption records, signed will naming heirs, or beneficiary designation forms for pay-on-death accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance.
• Account statements and recent transaction histories — bank statements, brokerage statements, retirement account summaries showing ownership and balances as of the date of death.
• Titles and certificates — vehicle title, boat title, stock certificates, safe-deposit box inventory, and any document that shows legal ownership.
• Policy and contract documents — life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and employer benefit paperwork that show named beneficiaries or payout procedures.
• Receipts and release forms — signed receipts, release letters from banks or other custodians, or copies of checks showing distribution.
• Valuation evidence — appraisals, dealer statements, online valuation printouts, or recent sale offers that support the value you claim for personal property.
• No-probate evidence — evidence that no formal probate has been opened for the decedent in the county where they lived (custodians often verify this with the local court).

How these documents work together

Example: If you want to collect a bank account under the small estate affidavit, prepare the affidavit, attach a certified death certificate, bring a recent bank statement showing the decedent’s account, and proof you are an heir (e.g., marriage certificate or court-acceptable heirship affidavit). Present this package to the bank; the bank will often have its own form to release funds and will typically keep a copy of your affidavit and ID.

Special asset notes

• Real property (real estate): Washington small estate procedures generally apply to personal property, not real estate. Transfers of real property usually require probate or a separate statutory mechanism. See RCW Chapter 11.62 for scope.
• Vehicles: Motor vehicle transfer across counties and to the new owner often requires the title, a certified death certificate, the affidavit, and a completed title application. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing for the exact forms and fees.
• Retirement accounts and life insurance: Most pay to named beneficiaries outside probate. Provide the policy or account statement plus death certificate and beneficiary ID. If no beneficiary exists, the account may be part of the estate and could need probate or small estate processing.
• Digital accounts: Custodians of online assets (email, digital wallets, social media) have their own procedures. Expect to provide death certificate, affidavit, and account ownership evidence.

Proving value and meeting the statutory limit

Washington’s small estate statute sets the qualification rules and any value limit. Before you proceed, total the decedent’s personal property subject to claim under the statute and confirm that the total meets the statutory threshold in RCW 11.62. Use bank/brokerage statements, recent bills, appraisals, and titles to document value. If values are close to the limit, get written valuations (appraisal or certified statement) to reduce disputes.

What a custodian may require at the moment of transfer

• Original or certified death certificate.
• Notarized small-estate affidavit completed per RCW 11.62.
• Proof of identity for the person receiving funds or property.
• Account numbers, titles, or policy numbers for the assets at issue.
• A signed receipt, release, or bank letter acknowledging the transfer.

When a court filing helps

If a bank or other custodian refuses to release assets, or if there is a disputed heirship question, you may need to ask the superior court to resolve entitlement. In contested situations or where the estate exceeds the statutory limits, consult an attorney experienced in Washington probate law.

Helpful hints

• Start by reading RCW Chapter 11.62: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=11.62.
• Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate early — most institutions will ask for one.
• Collect original titles and signed beneficiary forms. If originals are lost, ask the institution about an acceptable substitute (bank letter, duplicate title application).
• Keep a careful paper trail: bring copies, keep originals when asked, and get signed receipts for any property or funds you receive.
• If an asset’s value is unclear, get a quick appraisal (vehicles, jewelry, collectibles) to support your valuation.
• Contact each custodian before you visit. Ask which forms they require and whether they accept the small-estate affidavit alone or want additional paperwork.
• If you encounter refusal, request a written reason. That helps if you later ask the court to compel release.
• For vehicles and titles, contact the Washington Department of Licensing early to learn their title-transfer requirements following death.
• When in doubt about a complicated asset or dispute between heirs, consult a lawyer to avoid inadvertently creating tax problems or incurring personal liability.

When to consult an attorney

Consult an attorney if: the estate asset total might exceed the statutory small-estate limit; multiple heirs dispute entitlement; major creditors are making claims; real estate must transfer; or a custodian refuses to honor a properly completed affidavit. An attorney can prepare pleadings, advise on valuation issues, and represent you in superior court.