How to Notify Vanguard of a Death
Online tool. Vanguard's inheritance process is entirely online. Call and mention "change of ownership" if you'd rather speak with someone, including to decline as a beneficiary.
Vanguard — contact info
- Estate / bereavement phone
- 833-552-0898
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET
What Vanguard requires
Decedent's SSN, date of birth, and date of death
Gather before starting the online transfer.
Death certificate
Needed if Vanguard can't verify the death independently.
Estate documents
If applicable to how the account is titled.
Account type
Know which type of account you're inheriting before starting.
What to expect
Online inheritance transfer form: Log in or register, then provide the decedent's information and upload supporting documents.
Note: Vanguard freezes the deceased's account once the transfer request is submitted, to protect it from unauthorized activity.
Processing time: Vanguard notifies you once the transfer is completed; timing depends on how quickly required documents are submitted.
A letter you can send Vanguard today
Vanguard [Estate Services Address] Re: Notification of Death — Account Holder Robert J. Sample Accounts Held: 1 Dear Estate Services Department, I am writing to notify you of the passing of Robert J. Sample. Robert J. Sample held the following accounts with your institution: 1. Account I am the personal representative of the estate and am authorized to act on behalf of the decedent's affairs. I respectfully request the following: 1. That all accounts be flagged to reflect the account holder's passing and that activity be frozen to protect estate assets. 2. That you provide date-of-death valuations for all accounts to establish stepped-up cost basis. 3. That you provide instructions and required forms to transfer or close each account in accordance with your institution's procedures.
Vanguard death notification FAQ
How do I notify Vanguard of a death?
Online tool. Vanguard's inheritance process is entirely online. Call and mention "change of ownership" if you'd rather speak with someone, including to decline as a beneficiary.
What documents does Vanguard require?
Decedent's SSN, date of birth, and date of death — Gather before starting the online transfer. Death certificate — Needed if Vanguard can't verify the death independently. Estate documents — If applicable to how the account is titled. Account type — Know which type of account you're inheriting before starting.
How long does the process take with Vanguard?
Vanguard notifies you once the transfer is completed; timing depends on how quickly required documents are submitted.
What if my loved one had other accounts besides Vanguard?
Every institution has its own process and required documents. Estate Assist reads the estate's documents, identifies every institution to notify, and drafts a personalized letter for each one automatically.
Other institutions
Checked against Vanguard's official website on July 18, 2026. Requirements, contact info, and processes change — confirm current requirements with Vanguard's official page before relying on this guide. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.