Transferring Vehicle Ownership

There are several possible methods for transferring the ownership, or title(s) of the vehicle(s)* registered in the name of the deceased. We've listed only the most common circumstances conducted at DMV.

Joint Owner with the Right of Survivorship:

You are considered a joint owner with the right of survivorship if:

• your name is listed on the title as one of the vehicle owners and "or" appears between the names listed,
• the words "or survivor" appear after the names, or
• the words "Tenants by the Entireties" or "Tenants by the Entirety" appear after the names.

You may re-title the deceased's vehicle in your name by submitting to DMV:

• Proof of identity** (DMV 141)
• Certified or notarized death certificate
• Vehicle title
• Payment of appropriate fees

DMV will issue a new title and registration in your name.

Not a Joint Owner or a Joint Owner Without the Right of Survivorship:

You are not a joint owner if:

• Your name does not appear on the title.

You are a joint owner without the right of survivorship if your name is listed on the title as one of the vehicle owners and:

• the word "and" appears between the names listed, or
• the words "or survivor" do not appear after the names, or
• the words "Tenants by the Entireties" or "Tenants by the Entirety" do not appear after the names.

Executor or Administrator Will Not be Appointed***

If the vehicle is transferred to you as the spouse or heir, or under the will, you will not be required to pay sales and use tax.

If you inherit the vehicle, bring along the following to DMV:

• Proof of identity** (DMV 141)
• Certified or notarized death certificate
• Vehicle title
• Notarized copy of the will OR completed "Statement of Authority to Assign Title" (VSA-24)
  
  NOTE: If there is NO surviving spouse and no children of the deceased, in addition to the VSA-24, the legal heirs must either have an executor/administrator appointed or submit an affidavit indicating that the deceased's estate falls under the small estate laws, currently the value of the estate must be less than $50,000.

• Payment of appropriate fees

Executor or Administrator of the Estate Has Been Appointed***

The executor or administrator must provide:

• Proof of identity** (DMV 141)
• Certified or notarized death certificate
• Vehicle title
• Court-issued document or will appointing the executor or administrator
• Payment of appropriate fees

*If a bank holds the title to the deceased's vehicle, the co-owner of the vehicle is obligated to pay the balance of the loan. If a bank holds the title of the vehicle and there is no co-owner, the executor or administrator of the estate is responsible for satisfying any liens. If you are the co-owner of the deceased's vehicle and cannot find the title, you may obtain a replacement title from DMV for the appropriate fee.

**For proof of identity, refer to the list in "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card" (DMV 141).

***Executors and administrators are usually named in a will. However, if no will exists, the court, under certain circumstances, will appoint an executor or administrator.