OK HB1517

Banking institutions may allow a surviving spouse to take control of any bank account owned by a deceased spouse, including checking and savings accounts, at the institution's discretion.

Banks must require a death certificate listing the surviving spouse's name along with two forms of government-issued identification, with at least one being a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

The name of the spouse on the death certificate must match the name on the government-issued identification provided.

Banking institutions must make and maintain photo or digital copies of the death certificate and both forms of identification for a period of ten years.

The act becomes effective November 1, 2025.