General Question

AshlynM's avatar

How to get a deceased's person's car title in my name?

Asked by AshlynM (10684points) March 7th, 2011

The owner is dead now but the title was in his name only.

I recently moved to another state and went to the DMV but they were NO help. They said I had to go back to my original state where the car was titled.

I did show them the death certificate but that didn’t work.

Do I have other options, other than returning to my original state? It’s 2 days by car and plane tickets are too expensive.

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9 Answers

YARNLADY's avatar

If you have inherited the car, you need to have the legal title put in your name, and then register it anywhere you live. The title and registration are not the same thing.

SpatzieLover's avatar

@AshlynM I’m pretty certain that the title can be changed via mail. Check with the State DOT website (your state) to fill out the form for applying for a title

Here’s what the Wisconsin form for a Title asks for

In Nebraska they have a form for the exact situation you are in

Do you have a TOD (transfer on Death) or a will showing you are the heir of the vehicle? You may need the Power of Attorney to assist you if you have no other paperwork besides the death certificate.

jca's avatar

how long ago did he die?

Meego's avatar

Maybe if you see a lawyer they could help?

wmspotts's avatar

I recently did this for my grandmother. She finished paying off her husband’s Cadillac that he left her. We had to go to the surrogate’s office and get the will probated and then get a form called a Short to take to the DMV. They processed the title immediately and handed her a new title and registration. Keep in mind this was in NJ and may be different in other state DMVs.

IchtheosaurusRex's avatar

Who is the executor of the estate? They should be responsible for disposing of the property. If the owner died intestate, the probate court would have to effect the transfer.

jca's avatar

If the OP would answer my question i might PM her with some advice, but she does not seem to be answering. My question being “How long ago did he die?”

SpatzieLover's avatar

@jca she hasn’t been here in a couple days…see her profile

jca's avatar

@SpatzieLover: then it seems she is not interested in the answers.

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