A short certificate is a document issued by the Register of Wills after the will has been probated. It evidences the appointment of the personal representative to administer the estate. This document allows the personal representative to act on behalf of the estate to close bank accounts, file final income tax returns, process pension benefits, and close brokerage accounts.
The current charge is $10 per certificate, and each bank will require an original. It is called a short certificate because it is a one-half page form.