Surviving spouse/Heirship/Inheritance

Learn about transferring the certificate of title of a vehicle following the death of the owner.

The following people can transfer the certificate of title following the death of the owner:

• A surviving spouse

• The personal representative of the decedent's estate

• A court appointed personal representative

Surviving spouse

To qualify as a surviving spouse, you must have been married to the deceased person at the time of death. Live-in companions and ex-spouses do not qualify.

To obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle, you must submit the following in person at any RMV Service Center:

• An Application for Registration and Title completed and signed by the owner. It must be stamped by an authorized agent of the insurance company if the vehicle is to remain registered
• Decedent's certificate of title assigned by surviving spouse
• An Affidavit of Surviving Spouse
• A copy of the death certificate listing the name of the spouse

For a Surviving Spouse who is retaining ownership of a passenger vehicle or motorcycle and does NOT wish to keep it registered, please see the instruction below.

To obtain a new title for your vehicle, you must submit the following in person at any RMV Service Center:

• An Application for Registration and Title completed and signed by the surviving spouse.
• Decedent's certificate of title
• An Affidavit of Surviving Spouse
• A copy of the death certificate listing the name of the spouse

For a Surviving Spouse who is NOT retaining ownership of a passenger vehicle or motorcycle and wish to sell the vehicle, you will need to provide following to the purchaser:

• Decedent's Certificate of Title assigned by surviving spouse to the purchaser
• An Affidavit of Surviving Spouse
• A copy of the death certificate listing the name of the spouse

Additional Resources

Affidavit of Surviving Spouse

Registration and Title Application

Application for Veterans' Plates for a Surviving Spouse

Heirship (will)

If a decedent has left a will, the personal representative of the estate may transfer ownership of the vehicle. He/she must give the following documents to the new owner:

• A copy of the appointment of personal representative
• Decedent's certificate of title assigned by the personal representative

Inheritance

If a decedent has not left a will, the court appointed personal representative may transfer the title. He/she must provide the following documents:

• A copy of the appointment of personal representative
• Decedent's certificate of title assigned by the personal representative