What Happens to Your Vanguard Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Deadline
None
Difficulty
Moderate
Documents
Death cert + probate
Step-by-Step Guide
List all Vanguard accounts
Document all brokerage, IRA, and mutual fund account numbers.
Estimated time: 10 min
Set TOD/beneficiaries
Add Transfer on Death registrations and update retirement account beneficiaries.
Estimated time: 15 min
Note fund holdings
Document your fund positions and approximate values for your executor.
Estimated time: 10 min
Executor contacts Vanguard
Call 1-800-662-2739 with Death Certificate and legal documents to begin account transfer.
Document Now Checklist
- Account numbers
- Beneficiary designations
- Fund holdings and values
- Account types
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Vanguard. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Cash App
If you hold Bitcoin in Cash App, document this separately — crypto recovery requires additional steps.
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