How to Notify Wells Fargo of a Death
Online, mail, or in person. Ask for the Estate Care Center — a different line from the general 24-hour Customer Service number. Notify online, by mailed Letter of Instruction, or at a branch.
Wells Fargo — contact info
- Estate / bereavement phone
- 888-790-7980
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM ET
- Mailing address
- Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Estate Care Center Attention: D1118-02D PO Box 71208 Charlotte, NC 28201-1245
What Wells Fargo requires
Certified death certificate
Plus the decedent's full legal name and Social Security number.
Sole-owned accounts
Death certificate, plus probate documentation, a small estate affidavit, or a court order if no beneficiary is named.
Payable/Transfer on Death accounts
Death certificate only.
Joint-owned accounts
Death certificate, to remove the deceased owner from the account.
Trust accounts
Death certificate plus a Certification of Trustee naming the successor trustee.
A letter you can send Wells Fargo today
Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Estate Care Center Attention: D1118-02D PO Box 71208 Charlotte, NC 28201-1245 Re: Notification of Death — Account Holder Robert J. Sample Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to notify you of the passing of Robert J. Sample. Robert J. Sample held an account with your institution. 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 the account be flagged to reflect the account holder's passing. 2. That all account activity be frozen to protect the estate's assets. 3. That you provide me with instructions and any required forms to transfer or close the account in accordance with your institution's procedures.
Wells Fargo death notification FAQ
How do I notify Wells Fargo of a death?
Online, mail, or in person. Ask for the Estate Care Center — a different line from the general 24-hour Customer Service number. Notify online, by mailed Letter of Instruction, or at a branch.
What documents does Wells Fargo require?
Certified death certificate — Plus the decedent's full legal name and Social Security number. Sole-owned accounts — Death certificate, plus probate documentation, a small estate affidavit, or a court order if no beneficiary is named. Payable/Transfer on Death accounts — Death certificate only. Joint-owned accounts — Death certificate, to remove the deceased owner from the account. Trust accounts — Death certificate plus a Certification of Trustee naming the successor trustee.
What if my loved one had other accounts besides Wells Fargo?
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 Wells Fargo's official website on July 18, 2026. Requirements, contact info, and processes change — confirm current requirements with Wells Fargo's official page before relying on this guide. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.