Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Maine
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Maine, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: When a married Maine resident dies, ownership of a vehicle registered in Maine passes to the surviving spouse unless a will says otherwise (and a lienholder consents); 29-A M.R.S. § 663; Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles instructions
| Transferring a car after death | When a married Maine resident dies, ownership of a vehicle registered in Maine passes to the surviving spouse unless a will says otherwise (and a lienholder consents); the spouse files an Application for Certificate of Title (MVT-2) and a notarized MVT-22, with no title fee if the vehicle was registered and titled in Maine. If no personal representative has been appointed, immediate heirs (children, parents or siblings) can title the vehicle by submitting the title, an MVT-2 ($33 fee), a notarized MVT-22 from each heir, a probate court statement that no will has been probated, and a transfer of ownership. A lost title is replaced with a Duplicate Title Application (MVT-8) in the deceased's name, fee waived. A lien release or lienholder consent (MVT-27) is needed for financed vehicles. Surviving spouse instructions: https://www1.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/For%20Spouse.pdf. A $10 rush fee applies if rush service is requested. |
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More Maine estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Maine
- Small Estate Affidavit in Maine
- Power of Attorney in Maine
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Maine
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Maine
- How to Make a Valid Will in Maine
- How Probate Works in Maine
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Maine
- Revocable Living Trusts in Maine
- Executor Duties in Maine
- Letters Testamentary in Maine
- Affidavit of Heirship in Maine
- How to Avoid Probate in Maine
- All Maine wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Maine?
When a married Maine resident dies, ownership of a vehicle registered in Maine passes to the surviving spouse unless a will says otherwise (and a lienholder consents); the spouse files an Application for Certificate of Title (MVT-2) and a notarized MVT-22, with no title fee if the vehicle was registered and titled in Maine. If no personal representative has been appointed, immediate heirs (children, parents or siblings) can title the vehicle by submitting the title, an MVT-2 ($33 fee), a notarized MVT-22 from each heir, a probate court statement that no will has been probated, and a transfer of ownership. A lost title is replaced with a Duplicate Title Application (MVT-8) in the deceased's name, fee waived. A lien release or lienholder consent (MVT-27) is needed for financed vehicles.
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.