What to do if…
you need to access a deceased person's locked safety deposit box

What to do now

1. Write down only the facts you know.
   Note the bank or provider name, branch or vault location if known, the renter’s name, who told you the box exists, whether there may be a joint renter, and whether anyone has a key.

2. Work out whether it is a bank box or a private safe-custody box.
   Look for rental invoices, key tags, letters, emails, app messages, or a regular payment for box rental. If you find a name but not the right department, call the main number and ask for bereavement, estates, safe custody, or vaults.

3. Ask the provider who is allowed to speak to them.
   Say that the renter has died and you need their process before anyone attempts access. Ask whether they can speak to a next of kin, an executor, an administrator, a solicitor, a joint renter, or only a personal representative with formal authority.

4. Ask the provider exactly what documents they need.
   Use plain questions:

   • “What documents do you need before anyone can access the box after a death?”
   • “Do you need a death certificate, photo ID, proof of address, a Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration, confirmation, or another authority document?”
   • “If a will or funeral instructions may be inside, do you allow any supervised or limited access to look for those only?”
   • “If the key is missing, what is your process, who authorises it, and what fees may apply?”
   • “If there is a joint renter or named visitor, does their access continue, stop, or change after death?”

5. Keep a call record.
   Write down the date, time, phone number, the staff member’s name if given, any reference number, and the exact documents or next steps they asked for.

6. Collect documents only after checking the provider’s list.
   Commonly requested items may include a certified copy of the death certificate, your ID, proof of address, and evidence that you are an executor, administrator, joint renter, solicitor, or other authorised person. If there are multiple executors or personal representatives, ask whether all must attend or sign.

7. If the will might be inside, reduce the locked-loop problem.
   Also check the deceased person’s papers, ask close family whether they know of a solicitor or will writer, and contact any solicitor who may have drafted or stored the will. For England and Wales, you can search official probate records after a grant has been issued; for Scotland or Northern Ireland, use the relevant local process or ask the provider what they accept.

8. When access is allowed, treat opening as an inventory moment.
   Only do what the provider permits. Ask whether staff will supervise, whether photographs are allowed, and whether they can witness a contents list. Record what is removed, what is left, who was present, and where any removed items will be kept.