What to Do With Your Spouse’s Car After They Pass Away

It’s Just a Car, But It’s Not Just a Car

After someone dies, it’s often the little things that hit the hardest. A coat hanging by the door. Their handwriting on a sticky note. And sometimes, their car sitting in the driveway.

It might seem like a simple question: What should I do with the car? But like most things after a loss, the answer is wrapped up in both logistics and emotion. Whether the car is a beat-up sedan or something you always joked about as their “baby,” deciding what to do with it can stir up more than you expect.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step way to think it through, with all the practical options laid out — so you can decide what feels right for your situation.

Step One: Who Legally Owns the Car Now?

The first thing to understand is what the law says, and this starts with whose name is on the car title.

If the car was solely in your spouse’s name:
You will usually need to go through a legal process to retitle the car. This varies by state and by the total value of the estate.

Depending on your location, you may need:

• A certified copy of the death certificate

• A copy of the will or a small estate affidavit

• Letters of administration or other probate documents if there is no will

• DMV forms to transfer ownership

If you co-owned the car:
In most cases, this is more straightforward. If the title says “John and Mary Smith,” ownership may automatically transfer to the surviving spouse. Still, you’ll want to update registration and insurance to reflect the change.

Tip: Call your local Department of Motor Vehicles or check their website. Most offer specific instructions for handling a deceased person’s vehicle.

Option 1: Keep the Car

If the car is in good shape and fits your needs, keeping it might be the easiest and most cost-effective choice. But make sure it still makes sense for your new normal.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable driving it?

• Is it reliable and affordable to maintain?

• Am I keeping it for me, or just because it feels hard to let go?

Even if you plan to keep the car, don’t skip the title transfer and insurance updates. Having it legally in your name protects you and prevents headaches later.

Option 2: Sell the Car

Selling can be a practical choice, especially if the car is no longer needed or if it’s a way to help settle the estate. You can sell it privately, to a dealership, or through a consignment service.

Before you list it, make sure:

• The title is in your name or you have legal authority to sell

• The car is cleaned and well-presented

• You’ve reviewed its value using resources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds

• You’ve updated or canceled the insurance after the sale is final

Proceeds from the sale may go to you directly or into the estate, depending on how ownership was structured. If you’re unsure, talk to a financial advisor or estate attorney.

Option 3: Donate the Car

For some people, donating the car brings a sense of purpose or closure. Many charities accept vehicle donations and will handle the towing, title transfer, and paperwork for a tax-deductible donation.

This is a great choice if:

• The car isn’t worth much or you don’t want to deal with selling

• You want to support a cause your spouse cared about

• You’d rather not see the car around anymore

Just make sure the organization is reputable, and keep a copy of the donation receipt for tax purposes.

Option 4: Pass It Down

Sometimes, a spouse’s car becomes a meaningful gift — for a child, a grandchild, or another family member. If the car has sentimental value or is in great condition, this can be a powerful way to keep a part of your spouse’s legacy in the family.

If you go this route:

• Make the gift official with a title transfer

• Have the recipient add it to their insurance

• Talk about maintenance costs and responsibilities

You’re not just giving someone a car. You’re giving them something with history. That’s a big deal, and many people find comfort in that kind of continuity.

It’s Okay to Wait a Bit

Unless there are legal or financial reasons to act quickly, it’s okay to take your time with this decision. You don’t need to clear the driveway in the first week. Give yourself space to think about what feels right — and what serves you best moving forward.

That car may carry memories, but it also carries opportunity. Whether you keep it, sell it, donate it, or pass it along, you get to choose how it fits into your next chapter.

And that choice is yours to make, in your own time.