How to Notify the State DMV

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (the name varies by state — it may be called DMV, MVA, RMV, or Secretary of State) to cancel the deceased's driver's license and transfer any vehicle registrations. Many states allow you to handle this by mail or online; others require an in-person visit. Bring or submit a certified death certificate and the deceased's license or ID number.

Canceling the driver's license is important for identity theft prevention. A valid driver's license in a deceased person's name can be used to open fraudulent accounts, obtain credit, or commit other forms of identity theft. Some states automatically cancel the license when the death certificate is filed with the vital records office, but many do not — check with your state's DMV to confirm.

If the deceased owned vehicles, you will need to transfer the registration and title to the new owner (see the separate "Transfer Vehicle Title" task for detailed title transfer instructions). If the vehicle will be sold, some states allow the executor to sign the title on behalf of the deceased using their letters testamentary. Return license plates if your state requires it — in some states, plates stay with the vehicle, while in others they must be returned to the DMV or surrendered when insurance is canceled. Keep the vehicle insured continuously until it is sold or the title is transferred, even if no one is driving it, to protect against liability from theft or damage.