How to Transfer Vehicle Title

Transferring a vehicle title after death requires visiting your state's DMV (or equivalent agency) with the proper documentation. If you are the surviving spouse, many states offer a simplified transfer process that does not require going through probate — you may only need a death certificate, the vehicle title, your ID, and a transfer application form. If you are not the spouse, you will typically need letters testamentary or letters of administration in addition to the death certificate and title.

Before visiting the DMV, contact the auto insurance company to notify them of the death and ensure the vehicle remains covered. If the policy was solely in the deceased's name, it may lapse, leaving anyone driving the vehicle uninsured. Ask the insurer to add you to the policy or to issue a new policy in your name. Keep the vehicle insured and registered continuously, even if you plan to sell it — driving or storing an unregistered, uninsured vehicle can result in fines and liability exposure.

If the vehicle has an outstanding loan, contact the lender before transferring the title. The lender holds the title until the loan is paid off, and they will need to approve the transfer. If you want to keep the vehicle and continue making payments, the lender will typically allow you to assume the loan. If you want to sell the vehicle, coordinate with the lender to pay off the remaining balance from the sale proceeds. DMV fees for title transfer vary by state but typically run $15 to $75, and some states charge sales tax on the vehicle's value even in an inheritance transfer, while others exempt inherited vehicles from sales tax.