Car Titles & More: Handling Vehicle Paperwork After Death
Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, and dealing with the practicalities that come after can feel overwhelming. One aspect that often gets overlooked is handling the paperwork associated with the deceased's vehicles. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of handling car titles and other vehicle paperwork after death, providing you with the information you need to navigate this often complex task.
1. Gather the necessary documents
Before you can begin the process of transferring ownership of the vehicle, you will need to gather certain documents. These may include the following:
Death certificate: This is a crucial document that will be required for most aspects of estate administration, including transferring vehicle ownership. Make sure you have multiple copies of the death certificate as you may need them for various purposes.
Vehicle title: The vehicle title is the legal document that proves ownership of the vehicle. Locate the original title and keep it in a safe place.
Will or trust documents: If the deceased had a will or trust, these documents may contain specific instructions regarding the distribution of their assets, including vehicles. Review these documents to ensure you are following the deceased's wishes.
2. Determine the ownership status
The next step is to determine the ownership status of the vehicle. This will depend on whether the deceased owned the vehicle solely or jointly with someone else.
Sole ownership: If the deceased was the sole owner of the vehicle, the process of transferring ownership will be different than if they owned it jointly. In this case, you will need to follow the state-specific procedures for transferring ownership of a vehicle after death.
Joint ownership: If the deceased owned the vehicle jointly with someone else, such as a spouse or partner, the ownership may automatically transfer to the surviving owner. However, it is still important to update the vehicle title to reflect the change in ownership.
3. Notify the relevant parties
Once you have determined the ownership status of the vehicle, you will need to notify the relevant parties of the death and initiate the transfer of ownership process.
Insurance company: Contact the deceased's auto insurance company to inform them of the death. They will guide you through the process of updating the policy or canceling it if necessary.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Visit your local DMV or check their website to find out the specific requirements for transferring vehicle ownership after death. They will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions to complete the process.
4. Complete the necessary paperwork
Transferring ownership of a vehicle after death typically involves completing certain paperwork. These may include the following:
Affidavit of heirship: This document is used to establish the deceased's heirs and their entitlement to the vehicle. It may require the signatures of multiple parties, such as family members or witnesses.
Application for title transfer: This form is used to transfer the vehicle title from the deceased to the new owner. It will require information about the deceased, the new owner, and the vehicle itself.
Release of lien: If the deceased had a loan or lease on the vehicle, you will need to obtain a release of lien from the lender or leasing company. This document confirms that the debt has been satisfied and allows for the transfer of ownership.
5. Follow up and finalize the process
After submitting the necessary paperwork, it is important to follow up with the relevant parties to ensure the transfer of ownership is completed successfully.
DMV: Check with the DMV to confirm that they have received and processed your paperwork. They may provide you with a new vehicle title or other documentation to reflect the change in ownership.
Insurance company: Update the auto insurance policy to reflect the new owner's information. This will ensure that the vehicle is properly insured and that the new owner is protected.
Dealing with the paperwork associated with a deceased loved one's vehicles can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can navigate this task with confidence and ensure that the necessary paperwork is handled correctly.
About Buried in Work
We have a clear objective - to simplify the burden surrounding estate planning, when someone dies, and estate transition. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer looking for information or someone who is looking for a guided fill-in-the-blanks approach, Buried in Work is here to help. Resources are available at www.buriedinwork.com.
