Transferring Vehicle Ownership

When the owner of a vehicle dies, the steps for transferring a title depend on who inherits the vehicle.

Below are several common situations for transferring ownership and guidelines for the transfer process.

You Are a Co-Owner with the Right of Survivorship

You are considered a co-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, or
  • The words "or survivor" appear after the names

How to Transfer

To receive a new title and registration in your name, submit the following to DMV:

  1. Certified or notarized death certificate
  2. Vehicle title
  3. Payment of appropriate fees

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You Are Not a Co-Owner or Are a Co-Owner Without the Right of Survivorship

You are not a co-owner if:

  • Your name does not appear on the title.

You are a co-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

How To Transfer

If an executor or administrator of the estate has been appointed, and you are set to inherit the vehicle, the executor or administrator will handle the transfer process.

If an executor or administrator has not been appointed, to receive a new title and registration in your name, submit the following to DMV:

  1. Certified or notarized death certificate
  2. Vehicle title
    • If your existing title is lost or stolen, you must submit an Application For Replacement and Substitute Titles (VSA 67).
    • If your existing title is damaged, you must complete a VSA 67 in addition to surrendering the title.
  3. Proof of address
  4. Payment of appropriate fees
    • If the vehicle is transferred to you, you will not be required to pay Sales and Use Tax.
  5. One of the following:
    • A copy of the will and a completed Authority to Transfer Virginia Title Certification (VSA 24)
    • If there is no will, a completed Authority to Transfer Virginia Title Certification (VSA 24) only
    • An affidavit that the deceased's estate falls under the small estate laws (currently, the value of the estate must be under $50,000)