Sub-pillar
Transfer a car title after death
Four paths, one of which fits your situation. Identify how the title is held, choose the right document, then jump to your state DMV's form and fee.
A vehicle title transfer after death takes one of four paths: joint survivorship, transfer on death beneficiary, small estate affidavit, or letters testamentary from probate. Each state DMV handles its own paperwork. Typical fees range from $15 to $62, and family transfers are usually exempt from sales tax.
Which path fits
| Joint with survivorship | Surviving co-owner shows death certificate at the DMV. Fastest path. |
|---|---|
| Transfer on death | Recognized by about 18 states. Named beneficiary shows death certificate plus TOD form. |
| Small estate affidavit | For estates below the state threshold, usually a notarized affidavit and a death certificate. |
| Letters testamentary | For larger estates. Executor signs title on behalf of the estate. |
Step by step
Identify how the car is titled
Joint with right of survivorship, transfer on death (TOD), or sole name. Each path has different paperwork.
Joint title
The surviving co-owner brings a certified death certificate and ID to the DMV. Title transfers the same visit in most states.
TOD beneficiary
About 18 states recognize TOD vehicle registrations. The named beneficiary brings a death certificate and the TOD form on file.
Small estate affidavit
If the estate is below the state threshold, most DMVs accept a notarized affidavit instead of letters testamentary.
Through probate
Larger estates require letters testamentary. The executor signs the title as transferor on behalf of the estate.
Submit and pay the fee
File at the state DMV with the title, ID, death certificate, and the appropriate authority document. Family transfers are usually exempt from sales tax.
By state
Car title transfer, state by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Common questions
Do I need probate to transfer a car?
Not always. Joint titles, TOD registrations, and small estate affidavits each let you skip probate when they apply. Larger sole-name estates typically need letters testamentary.
What does a title transfer cost?
Title transfer fees range from about $15 in low-fee states like Delaware to over $60 in states like California and Washington. Family transfers are usually exempt from sales tax.
What if the title is lost?
Apply for a duplicate title before transferring. Most state DMVs issue duplicates within two to four weeks for a small fee.
Can the estate sell the car before transferring?
Not directly. The title must transfer to the estate or the heir first. The new title-holder can then sign the title over to a buyer.
Related: Probate · Notify agencies · Small estate affidavit