Administering an estate

The process for administering an estate differs depending on the type of registration and where the bond owner resided at the time of death. See what is required for Quebec estates and for estates for all other provinces and territories. 

Estates outside of Quebec

Joint ownership with survivor

For example: “John Smith and Jane Smith and Survivor”

To redeem or transfer the bonds/plan to the surviving registered owner:

1. Provide the following documents:
   • Letter that includes:
     1. Current date
     2. Whether to redeem or transfer the bonds/plan
     3. Address of the surviving registered owner
     4. Date of birth of the surviving registered owner
     5. Social insurance number of the surviving registered owner
     6. Signature of the surviving registered owner
   • Proof of death of the deceased registered owner
   • Unsigned bond certificates (if applicable)

2. Submit all documents to us by mail at:
   Canada Savings Bonds Program
   P.O. Box 2770, Station D
   Ottawa, ON K1P 1J7

Single or joint ownership without survivor

For example: “John Smith” or “John Smith and Jane Smith”

To redeem or transfer the bonds/plan:

1. Consult the Bank of Canada business rules and guidelines for providing required legal documentation to determine which documents are required given the value and circumstances surrounding the estate.
2. Review the probate conditions and provide additional required legal documents.
3. Consult the requirements outlined in the form and the guidelines for providing legal documentation.
   If applicable, ensure signatures are witnessed by one of the following:
   • A Canadian Financial Institution
   • A Commissioner for Oaths
   • A Notary Public
4. Complete the Estate Transfer form.
   Matured bonds will be automatically redeemed. If the Estate contains unmatured bonds, specify whether redeem or transfer them.
5. Have all the appointed estate representatives sign the Estate Transfer form.
6. Provide one of the following as proof of death:
   • A death certificate for the deceased registered owner, issued by a funeral director, provincial registrar or church
   • A certificate of finding issued by a coroner
7. Provide unsigned bond certificates (if applicable)
8. Submit all documents to us by mail at:
   Canada Savings Bonds Program
   P.O. Box 2770, Station D
   Ottawa, ON K1P 1J7

Quebec estates

1. Complete the QETRF Form and Guidelines.
2. Include all legatee’s/heir’s names, addresses and social insurance numbers.
3. Have all the appointed estate representatives sign the form.
4. Consult the requirements for legal documents provided in the QETRF Form and Guidelines.

If applicable, ensure that the signatures are witness by one of the following:

• A Canadian Financial Institution
• A Commissioner for Oaths
• A Notary Public

6. Submit all documents to us by mail at:
   Canada Savings Bonds Program
   P.O. Box 2770, Station D
   Ottawa, ON K1P 1J7

Individuals: contact Customer Service for more information.

Financial Institutions: contact a Financial Institution Customer Service Representative for more information.