Introduction

When an executor or family member needs to find crypto after a death, the first task is to map where it could live: on centralized exchanges, in self‑custody wallets (hardware, mobile, desktop, paper), or in password managers that store logins, seed phrases, or 2FA information. This guide explains practical steps, legal constraints, and what each major U.S. exchange requires, then shows how Sunset’s automation helps you inventory and transfer assets while you manage probate and beneficiary distribution.

How to run a crypto wallet search after someone dies

• Compile identifiers: full legal name(s), prior names, SSN/ITIN, email addresses, and known usernames tied to crypto accounts.

• Review devices: phones, laptops, and tablets for installed wallet apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, hardware‑wallet companion apps) and exchange apps. Check browser extensions for wallets.

• Inspect email for exchange notices (deposit/withdrawal alerts, KYC emails), wallet “backup your recovery phrase” prompts, and tax forms (1099/CSV). Search inbox for terms such as “Coinbase,” “Kraken,” “Binance,” “wallet,” “seed phrase,” “Metamask,” “Ledger,” “Trezor,” and “recovery.”

• Look for physical artifacts: hardware wallets (Ledger/Trezor), metal seed backups, paper wallets, safe‑deposit box references, and printed “Emergency Kits.”

• Check password managers and secure notes for vault items labeled seed/recovery phrase, 2FA backup codes, or exchange credentials. See the Password Manager section below.

• If you still need help, run a centralized scan to discover financial and investment accounts. Sunset’s automated search covers brokerage and crypto within its investment account search and end‑to‑end flow described in how it works.

Crypto exchange bereavement workflows (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance. US)

Centralized exchanges can transfer a decedent’s assets to an estate or inheritor once you submit required documents. Policies differ by platform; always open a ticket with the exchange’s support team to establish a bereavement case and upload documents securely.

• Coinbase

• Commonly requested: official death certificate; probate documents (Letters Testamentary/Administration, Small Estate Affidavit, etc.); a government ID for the authorized person; and a signed instruction letter directing the transfer destination. Processes begin via Coinbase Help with a dedicated “deceased family member” flow.

• Kraken

• Kraken does not support adding a beneficiary while alive, but it maintains a bereavement process. Typically requested: government‑issued ID for the estate representative, death certificate, and legal documentation confirming authority (e.g., probate/letters). Initiate by contacting Kraken Compliance via support.

• Binance. US

• Binance. US provides a bereavement intake and specifies required uploads: a selfie‑video stating preferred transfer method; the death certificate; government ID for the estate representative; and will and/or probate documents. Open a live‑agent ticket to proceed. Note that unclaimed or dormant balances may be escheated to the state after inactivity periods.

Notes

• None of the above pages publish fixed processing timelines; case handling begins after document review and identity/authority verification.

• Avoid using credentials you find to log into the decedent’s account; platforms may treat this as unauthorized access. Instead, use the official bereavement channel.

Self‑custody keys: what you can and can’t recover

• Private keys/seed phrases control self‑custodied crypto. Without the private key/seed (or a wallet backup that contains it), assets cannot be moved—even if you can see the balance on‑chain. Use the exchange bereavement route for custodial funds; use the seed/keys for self‑custody.

• Where to look for self‑custody:

• Hardware: Ledger/Trezor devices, USBs, computers with desktop wallets; look for companion apps on the decedent’s devices.

• Paper/metal backups: cards, notebooks, metal plates; terms like “seed,” “recovery phrase,” or “BIP‑39.”

• Secure notes/password managers: entries labeled “seed,” “phrase,” “private key,” or “2FA backup codes.”

• Handling best practices:

• Never type a seed phrase into unfamiliar websites or send it to “recovery services.”

• Keep seeds offline; if you must test a seed, import it on an air‑gapped device or hardware wallet. Ethereum.org’s guidance reinforces that seed/private‑key exposure or mis‑entry results in irreversible loss.

RUFADAA: executor authority and its limits

• The Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) extends traditional fiduciary powers to digital property (including virtual currency), while restricting access to the “content of electronic communications” unless the user consented in a will, trust, power of attorney, or via an online tool. Practically, this means an executor can compel custodians to disclose records needed to administer assets, but not the contents of personal messages without express consent or court order.

• RUFADAA creates a priority system: (1) the user’s directions in an online tool provided by the custodian; (2) the user’s will/trust/POA; (3) the custodian’s terms of service. Many states have enacted RUFADAA or a close variant; always check your state statute before requesting data.

Use password managers to find crypto quickly

Password managers often store exchange logins, 2FA backups, and even seed phrases in secure notes. Two common approaches:

• LastPass Emergency Access: lets a designated contact request read access to the vault after a wait period set by the account holder—useful when the user configured this before death.

• 1Password Emergency Kit and family recovery: 1Password cannot reset or recover a master password; access requires the Emergency Kit (with Secret Key and the password) or a family organizer to recover the account for members. Executors should look for printed/digital Emergency Kits or a 1Password Families plan with another organizer. Security note: Phishing campaigns sometimes imitate “death certificate” notifications to hijack password‑manager accounts; verify sender domains and contact support through official portals before clicking. citeturn0news12turn0news13

Comparison table — Coinbase, Kraken, Binance. US: required documents and timelines

Sources for the table: Coinbase Help; Kraken Support; Binance. US Help Center (bereavement and escheatment articles).

“Find crypto” with automation: how Sunset helps

• Automated discovery: Sunset’s platform searches for investment and crypto accounts and guides you through closure and transfer steps without alerting institutions during discovery. See investment account search and how it works for coverage details.

• End‑to‑end estate workflow: generate county‑specific probate documents in all 50 states, set up an FDIC‑insured estate account, consolidate funds, and distribute to heirs. Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified and free for families; Sunset earns revenue from bank‑partner interest, so beneficiaries keep 100% of assets. Learn more in how it works.

Practical checklist to “crypto exchange bereavement” and “crypto wallet search”

• Inventory devices, email accounts, and password managers for exchange logins and seed phrases.

• Open bereavement cases with exchanges; upload only via official portals.

• For self‑custody, locate and secure the seed/private keys; do not transact until the estate’s legal authority is established.

• Preserve 2FA factors: hardware keys, authenticator apps, SMS numbers, and backup codes.

• Document chain‑of‑custody for keys and devices.

• Monitor dormancy/escheatment risks for exchange balances, and check your state unclaimed‑property portal if applicable.

Legal notice: This page provides general information for executors and is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for state‑specific guidance and court requirements.