---
title: "Idaho Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions"
description: "Idaho executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $100,000 small estate limit, 30-day wait, 2 will witnesses, self-proving affidavit allowed, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/idaho-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Idaho

# Idaho executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Idaho orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Idaho's official pages give a limit of up to $100,000 and a 30-day wait after the death; the paperwork goes to the bank or other holder.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

**Short answer.** Idaho: up to $100,000 small estate limit; 30-day wait; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 8 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages; 3 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

General steps in plain words. Tick them off as you go; the ticks stay on this screen only.

- **Order certified death certificates**Through the funeral director or the vital records office. Order several: banks, insurers, pension plans and the court may each want one.
- **Make sure Social Security knows**Funeral homes generally report the death. If not, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A surviving spouse, or some children if there's no spouse, may get a one-time $255 payment.
- **Locate the signed will and any changes**The signed original matters more than a copy. Keep it whole and somewhere safe, and note who else has a copy.
- **Check the will for a self-proving affidavit**Look for a notarized statement by the witnesses attached to the will; this state allows one (see below).
- **Secure the home, car and mail**Lock up, keep the insurance in force, photograph valuables and forward the mail to yourself.
- **Don't pay bills or hand out belongings yet**First learn which route fits and who is allowed to act; ask the probate office or an attorney about anything urgent.
- **Stop using the person's power of attorney**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death, so an agent under it can't act for the estate.
- **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate.
- **Compare the estate with $100,000**That's the small estate figure on this state's official page. Count only what the page says counts.
- **Mark day 30 after the death**The small estate route opens 30 days after the death, per the official page.
- **Open a simple money log**One line per payment or deposit, with the date, who, how much and the receipt. It makes the final accounting easy.
- **Once you have authority: EIN and an estate account**The IRS says you need an EIN before filing the estate's Form 1041, which is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year.

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit The estate subject to probate, wherever located, worth no more than $100,000 less liens and encumbrances."one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)" Sources: [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-probate-shortcuts-32018.html), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedReal estate Not confirmed — check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/).
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death 30 days. Thirty days after the death."Thirty (30) days after the death of a decedent" Sources: [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-probate-shortcuts-32018.html), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedNotary or oath Not confirmed — check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/).
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property; no court filing is mentioned."upon being presented an affidavit made by or on behalf of the successor" Sources: [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-probate-shortcuts-32018.html), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedOfficial form Not confirmed — check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/).
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Summary administration: As Nolo's summary describes it: the case is opened in probate court and a personal representative is appointed, some regular probate steps are skipped, and a closing statement is filed after distribution; it's available only when the estate, less liens and encumbrances, stays under set amounts. Source: [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-probate-shortcuts-32018.html), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

Signing rules for wills, as they bear on getting the will accepted.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two witnesses, each of whom saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment."each of whom witnessed either the signing or the testator's acknowledgment" Sources: [Idaho Code 15-2-502, Execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/); [Idaho Code 15-2-501, Who may make a will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-501/); [Idaho Code 15-2-504, Self-proved will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-504/); [Idaho Code 15-2-505, Who may witness (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-505/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1105, Execution of electronic will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1105/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1108, Electronic will attested and made self-proved at time of execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1108/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed."An attested will may at any time subsequent to its execution be made self-proved." Sources: [Idaho Code 15-2-502, Execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/); [Idaho Code 15-2-501, Who may make a will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-501/); [Idaho Code 15-2-504, Self-proved will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-504/); [Idaho Code 15-2-505, Who may witness (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-505/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1105, Execution of electronic will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1105/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1108, Electronic will attested and made self-proved at time of execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1108/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Recognized. The execution section carves out holographic wills, though the page doesn't list their requirements."Except as provided for holographic wills" Sources: [Idaho Code 15-2-502, Execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/); [Idaho Code 15-2-501, Who may make a will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-501/); [Idaho Code 15-2-504, Self-proved will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-504/); [Idaho Code 15-2-505, Who may witness (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-505/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1105, Execution of electronic will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1105/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1108, Electronic will attested and made self-proved at time of execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1108/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it."A will or any provision thereof is not invalid because the will is signed by an interested witness." Sources: [Idaho Code 15-2-502, Execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-502/); [Idaho Code 15-2-501, Who may make a will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-501/); [Idaho Code 15-2-504, Self-proved will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-504/); [Idaho Code 15-2-505, Who may witness (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/SECT15-2-505/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1105, Execution of electronic will (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1105/); [Idaho Code 15-2-1108, Electronic will attested and made self-proved at time of execution (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch2/sect15-2-1108/), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The original will and any codicils

## Who to notify

Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer, Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone. A brief letter and a copy of the death certificate usually start each one; note the date and the person you reached.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Idaho Secretary of State, Notary Department. $10 per document (check, money order or credit card). Source: [Idaho Secretary of State, Notary Department](https://sos.idaho.gov/apostille/), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Idaho:

- [Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/idaho-probate-shortcuts-32018.html)

## Still to confirm

- Real estate: check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/)
- Notary or oath: check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/)
- Official form: check [Idaho Code 15-3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Idaho Legislature)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/t15ch3/sect15-3-1201/)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Idaho?**

On the official pages we read: The estate subject to probate, wherever located, worth no more than $100,000 less liens and encumbrances. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented to whoever owes the debt or holds the property; no court filing is mentioned.

**How soon after the death can the Idaho small estate paperwork be used?**

30 days. Thirty days after the death.

**How many witnesses did a will in Idaho need?**

Two witnesses, each of whom saw the signing or the testator's acknowledgment.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Idaho?**

Allowed at signing or any time later, before an officer authorized to administer oaths where the will is signed.

**What if the only will in Idaho is handwritten?**

Recognized. The execution section carves out holographic wills, though the page doesn't list their requirements.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Idaho?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Probate Shortcuts in Idaho (Nolo). Remember the 30-day wait before the small estate route.

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-idaho) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-idaho) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)