Updating a Saudi heirs deed: what it really means, how to digitise an old paper deed on Najiz, when a new document is needed, and what to prepare.
Short answer: "Updating the heirs deed" is a popular phrase, not an official service. For an old paper deed, you usually need the free Najiz service to digitise the heirs document, which issues a new electronic document with a new number. If the deed has an error or the heirs have changed, apply to the competent court.
After losing a family member, heirs face many formalities with banks, property, vehicles and financial claims, and almost every body asks for the hasr al-waratha (heirs inventory) deed. Some then find their deed is an old paper one and are told to "update" it. What does that mean, and is there such a service?
This guide explains the difference between what people call an "update" and the official Ministry of Justice services, with practical steps for each case. For estate matters or disputes between heirs, see our family law, estates and heirs services.
What is the heirs deed and why is it needed?
The heirs deed is the official document that confirms the death and identifies the legal heirs. According to the Ministry of Justice's heirs inventory issuance service, it contains the details of the deceased, the heirs and their shares. It is required to release bank balances, transfer property or vehicles, pursue or settle the deceased's claims and debts, and divide the estate.
What does "updating the heirs deed" actually mean?
"Update" is not an official service name on the Ministry platforms we reviewed. In practice it describes one of three situations:
Converting an old paper deed into an electronic document — the most common case, handled by the official digitisation service.
Correcting an error such as a name or ID number.
A change in the heirs or an heir who was not listed — which needs the court.
Do not confuse this with updating a property title deed for heirs; that concerns the property deed itself and usually requires a valid heirs document.
How do you digitise a paper heirs deed on Najiz?
According to the official Ministry of Justice service page, the digitisation service issues a new electronic heirs document with a new number for paper deeds issued by the court.
Conditions: a Najiz account, and clear photos of the front and back of the deed.
Steps: sign in to Najiz through the National Single Sign-On; open all e-services; choose the social status package; enter the details and attach the photos; submit to the competent court; the electronic document is issued.
Fees: none, according to the Ministry page. Make sure the photos are clear and show all edges and stamps.
How do you issue a new heirs document?
If there is no deed, or a new one is needed, the official service is "Issue heirs inventory". According to the Ministry page, you need supporting documents such as the death certificate, the details of all heirs and witnesses, and a valid power of attorney if applying as an agent. You sign in, choose the heirs inventory service, accept the declaration, enter the details, review and submit. There is no fee, and the Ministry states an execution time of 24 hours, although actual timing depends on the case.
What if the deed has an error or a new heir appears?
Digitisation alone is not enough when the content must change, for example a wrong name or ID, an heir who was left out, a child born after the death, or an heir who died after the deceased before the estate was divided (which requires an heirs document for that second person as well). These cases go to the competent court with evidence of the error or new fact.
Illustrative example: a family holds an old paper deed for their late father and wants to sell a property from the estate. If the details are correct, digitisation is usually enough. If their mother later died before the estate was divided, they will also need an heirs document for her.
What common mistakes delay heirs requests?
Unclear photos of the paper deed (cropped edges, missing stamp or number); missing details for an heir, especially one living abroad; a power of attorney that does not cover estate or heirs procedures; choosing digitisation when a correction or added heir is what is really needed; leaving out a wife, an unborn child or heirs from an earlier marriage; and waiting until a property sale or payment is due. Gather the documents in one file and check each heir's name and ID against official records before applying.
Do all heirs need to agree?
Digitisation is requested by the applicant through Najiz. Issuing a new document requires the details of all heirs and witnesses, and an agent needs a valid power of attorney. Disputes over who is an heir go to the court.
For related family law topics, see our upcoming guide on child custody after divorce (coming soon).
Frequently asked questions
Does an heirs deed expire?
The official service pages we reviewed do not state an expiry date, but some bodies ask for a recent electronic document instead of a paper deed, which is why heirs digitise.
How long does digitisation take?
The digitisation page does not state a fixed time; the request goes to the competent court. The issuance service states 24 hours.
Is there a fee?
No. Both digitisation and issuance are free according to the Ministry pages.
Can an agent apply?
Yes. The issuance service requires a valid power of attorney where the applicant is an agent. Check that its wording covers this procedure.
Is this the same as updating a property deed?
No. The heirs deed identifies the heirs and shares; updating a property deed concerns the property title and usually requires a valid heirs document.
Can an issued heirs document be verified?
Yes. Najiz offers an "Inquire about an heirs inventory document" service that can be used to check a document before relying on it.
Need help with estate procedures?
Heirs procedures look simple, but a data error or an omitted heir can delay everything that follows. Kawkaba Law is based in Jeddah and serves clients across Saudi Arabia in person and remotely.
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This article is general information about procedures and is not legal advice for any specific case. E-services and their requirements may change, so check the official platforms before applying.
