The bank is likely to ask for two forms of your identification (usually a passport or driver's licence, or a proof of address with a utility bill) and a copy of the will. If there's no will, the bank could ask for evidence of your relationship to the deceased. You'll also need the death certificate.
You must be a designated beneficiary or joint account owner on the accounts, or your parents should have specifically devised the accounts to go to you in their will or trust. You may also be entitled to inherit them by way of intestate succession if your parents died without a will.
At least 40 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent, as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's Death Certificate attached to this affidavit or declaration.
Since payable-on-death accounts (PODs) and transfer-on-death accounts (TODs) must designate a beneficiary, they are not subject to the California probate process. The payable-on-death beneficiary can claim the bank account proceeds by going to the bank with a copy of the death certificate and proof of identification.
No Beneficiary on Bank Account If there is no beneficiary listed on the bank account, the account typically goes through probate, and the funds will be distributed ing to the deceased's will or state laws if there is no will.
Searches for unclaimed assets can only be done by a legally entitled person, such as someone who holds the appropriate Power of Attorney or the Executor or Administrator of an estate. Separate applications must be made for every individual whose assets may be missing.
If you are unsure where the decedent banked, you may consider asking the decedent's family members, the executor/administrator of their estate or the trustee of their trust. You also could try visiting banks in the vicinity of where the decedent had resided to ask them about your beneficiary status in person.
You can search online for your state's unclaimed property department, or you can start with FDIC's unclaimed property information. If you find your missing property, you can file a claim with the state, but don't be surprised if they ask you to prove your identity in order to claim it.