You need to continue making regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car’s ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

1) Gather:

• Title: The executor of the deceased person will sign the existing title over to the new owner in section 1
• The original copy of the will or Letters Testamentary / Letters of Administration that says you are the executor
• Fee amounts:
• The Title fee, if there is no lien on the car, is $35
• The registration fees are $40 per year
• The documentation fee is 4.25% of purchase price or NADA book value, whichever is greater
• If the license plate is a standard numbered plate that is not expired, you can keep using it, but you must pay a transfer fee of $20. If the plates are expired or you want new plates, it will be $40

2) Go to the DMV:

• Unfortunately, no appointments can be made and you must go in person
• You can find your nearest DMV by clicking here

Small Estate
If your loved one’s estate is under $30,000 you may be able to request a small estate affidavit. Each county has their own forms. Go to the Registrar of Wills in your county and request an application for a small estate affidavit.

You will need to bring:

• death certificate
• current government issued ID

The court will issue the small estate affidavit. Once you receive it you can take it to your local DMV along with the title to the vehicle and your ID and get the title to the vehicle transferred.

Additionally, if you need help managing driver’s licenses, license plates, or disabled person placards, please click here.