--- title: "Minnesota Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC Solutions" description: "Minnesota executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $75,000 small estate limit, 30-day wait, notarized affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/minnesota-executor-checklist" --- Executor checklist · Minnesota # Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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, Minnesota's official pages give a limit of up to $75,000, a 30-day wait after the death and a notarized affidavit; 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.** Minnesota: up to $75,000 small estate limit; 30-day wait; notarized affidavit; handed to the bank or holder; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 11 of 11 state facts below are confirmed on official pages. **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 Work down the list; nothing you tick is saved or sent. The steps are general, the dates come from the official pages. - **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each. - **Confirm the death was reported to Social Security**Usually the funeral home does this. If it didn't, phone 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); a widow or widower, or certain children, may qualify for $255. - **Find the original will**Look for the signed original and any codicils (later changes). Keep the original safe and unaltered; make copies for yourself. - **See whether a self-proving affidavit is attached**It's a sworn page signed by the witnesses, usually at the end of the will; the rule for this state is below. - **Keep the house and vehicles safe**Tell the insurer about the death so coverage stays in place, take photos of what's inside, and redirect the mail. - **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. - **Check the total against $75,000**The official page's small estate figure. Leave out anything the page says isn't counted. - **Mark day 30 after the death**The small estate route opens 30 days after the death, per the official page. - **Keep an account of every transaction**Write down each payment and each deposit with the date and a receipt; heirs and the court may ask to see it. - **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 whole probate estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, $75,000 or less at the date of death. The court's instructions (PRO201) require that there's no real property in the probate estate; land and buildings go through probate court.Vehicles count toward this limit. Source: [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. Source: [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death 30 days. Thirty days after the death (for a safe deposit box, 30 days after an inventory is filed)."30 days after the decedent's death" Sources: [Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.3-1201); [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf); [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Minnesota (Nolo, updated October 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-probate-shortcuts-32124.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Signed before a notary. The court form is sworn or affirmed before a notary public."Sworn/affirmed before me this" Sources: [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf); [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented with a certified death record to the person who owes the debt, holds the property or controls the safe deposit box. Sources: [Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201, Collection of personal property by affidavit (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.3-1201); [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf); [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf); [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Minnesota (Nolo, updated October 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-probate-shortcuts-32124.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedOfficial form Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (PRO202), with instructions PRO201. The Minnesota Judicial Branch statewide form, revised 3/23, for a small estate with no real estate, with a notary block. Sources: [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf); [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Summary administration (Minn. Stat. 524.3-1203): A personal representative may petition the court when there's no probate estate, the property is lost or worthless, the estate is only homestead, exempt property and the family allowance, or the gross estate outside homestead and exempt property is within the limit (Nolo's summary gives $150,000). Source: [Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Minnesota (Nolo, updated October 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-probate-shortcuts-32124.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedWorth knowing A motor vehicle registrar issues a new title in the successor's name when shown the affidavit. The court's own form (PRO201) is titled for a small estate with no real estate. Last amended in 2016. Sources: [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf); [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf), checked November 2026 ## The will at probate When the will goes to the court, these signing rules are what it is checked against. - #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment."signed by at least two individuals, each of whom signed within a reasonable time after witnessing" Sources: [Minn. Stat. 524.2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-502/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-501, Who may make a will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-501/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-504, Self-proved will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-504/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-505, Who may witness (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-505/pdf); [Minnesota Laws 2023, chapter 21 (H.F. 244), Uniform Electronic Wills Act (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/21/2023-08-07%2011:20:06+00:00/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-518, Certification of paper copy (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/524.2-518); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Minnesota (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-make-will-32074.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign in the presence of an officer authorized to administer oaths."An attested will may be made self-proved at any time after its execution" Sources: [Minn. Stat. 524.2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-502/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-501, Who may make a will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-501/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-504, Self-proved will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-504/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-505, Who may witness (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-505/pdf); [Minnesota Laws 2023, chapter 21 (H.F. 244), Uniform Electronic Wills Act (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/21/2023-08-07%2011:20:06+00:00/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-518, Certification of paper copy (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/524.2-518); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Minnesota (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-make-will-32074.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Not recognized: a handwritten will needs witnesses like any other will, per Nolo's Minnesota page, though a will validly made in another state is recognized."Minnesota does not allow handwritten (holographic) wills" Source: [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Minnesota (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-make-will-32074.html), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A will, or any part of it, isn't invalid because an interested witness signed it."The signing of a will by an interested witness does not invalidate the will or any provision of it." Sources: [Minn. Stat. 524.2-502, Execution; witnessed wills (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-502/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-501, Who may make a will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-501/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-504, Self-proved will (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-504/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-505, Who may witness (Minnesota Statutes 2026, Office of the Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/524.2-505/pdf); [Minnesota Laws 2023, chapter 21 (H.F. 244), Uniform Electronic Wills Act (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/21/2023-08-07%2011:20:06+00:00/pdf); [Minn. Stat. 524.2-518, Certification of paper copy (Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, 2025)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/524.2-518); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Minnesota (Nolo)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-make-will-32074.html), 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 - Safe deposit box location and keys - Certified death certificates - The original will and any codicils - 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 - The official small estate form: Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (PRO202), with instructions PRO201 ## Who to notify Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer. 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 Minnesota Secretary of State. $5 per apostille certificate. Vital records: Birth and death certificates certified by the Minnesota Department of Health; marriage certificates or licenses certified by the county. Source: [Minnesota Secretary of State](https://www.sos.mn.gov/notary-apostille/apostille/how-to-get-an-apostille/), checked November 2026 ## Where to ask An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Minnesota: - [Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf) - [Form PRO201, Instructions for Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property, small estate with no real estate (Minnesota Judicial Branch)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO201.pdf) - [Probate Shortcuts in Minnesota (Nolo, updated October 2024)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/minnesota-probate-shortcuts-32124.html) Minnesota kit ## Minnesota Executor and Estate Kit This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions. [Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/mn-executor-kit) 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 Minnesota?** On the official pages we read: The whole probate estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, $75,000 or less at the date of death. The court's instructions (PRO201) require that there's no real property in the probate estate; land and buildings go through probate court. Handed to the bank or other holder. Presented with a certified death record to the person who owes the debt, holds the property or controls the safe deposit box. **How soon after the death can the Minnesota small estate paperwork be used?** 30 days. Thirty days after the death (for a safe deposit box, 30 days after an inventory is filed). **Does the small estate paperwork in Minnesota need a notary?** Signed before a notary. The court form is sworn or affirmed before a notary public. **Is there an official Minnesota form?** Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (PRO202), with instructions PRO201. The Minnesota Judicial Branch statewide form, revised 3/23, for a small estate with no real estate, with a notary block. Link: https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PRO202.pdf **How many witnesses did a will in Minnesota need?** Two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the acknowledgment. **What about a self-proving affidavit in Minnesota?** Allowed at signing or any time later. The testator and witnesses sign in the presence of an officer authorized to administer oaths. **Who answers questions about an estate in Minnesota?** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Form PRO202, Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property (Minnesota Judicial Branch). 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-minnesota) · [Apostille steps](/notary/apostille-minnesota) · [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)