Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Delaware
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Delaware, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles requires an original estate document from the Register of Wills to retitle a deceased owner's vehicle: either a Small Estate Affidavit (for qualifying small estates, available 30 days after death) or a Short Certificate showing the appointed… New Castle County Register of Wills, Small Estate Affidavit pamphlet; Delaware DMV Titles; 12 Del. C. § 2306
| Transferring a car after death | The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles requires an original estate document from the Register of Wills to retitle a deceased owner's vehicle: either a Small Estate Affidavit (for qualifying small estates, available 30 days after death) or a Short Certificate showing the appointed executor or administrator. Contact the county Register of Wills first, then take the original document and the title to the DMV. Photocopies of estate documents are not accepted. |
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More Delaware estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Delaware
- Small Estate Affidavit in Delaware
- Power of Attorney in Delaware
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Delaware
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Delaware
- How to Make a Valid Will in Delaware
- How Probate Works in Delaware
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Delaware
- Revocable Living Trusts in Delaware
- Executor Duties in Delaware
- Letters Testamentary in Delaware
- Affidavit of Heirship in Delaware
- How to Avoid Probate in Delaware
- All Delaware wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Delaware?
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles requires an original estate document from the Register of Wills to retitle a deceased owner's vehicle: either a Small Estate Affidavit (for qualifying small estates, available 30 days after death) or a Short Certificate showing the appointed executor or administrator. Contact the county Register of Wills first, then take the original document and the title to the DMV. Photocopies of estate documents are not accepted.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.