Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Missouri
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Missouri, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: If the title names a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary, the beneficiary gets a new title on proof of death and surrender of the title. Missouri Department of Revenue, Titling and Registration FAQ; RSMo § 301.681
| Transferring a car after death | If the title names a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary, the beneficiary gets a new title on proof of death and surrender of the title. A surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may title one vehicle without a probate order by submitting an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108), the title in the deceased's name, a copy of proof of death, a notarized Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (Form 2305), and an $8.50 title fee plus $9 processing fee. Otherwise, the vehicle must go through probate: submit Form 108, the title assigned by the administrator, executor or personal representative, and the original or certified Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary or Small Estate Certificate/Affidavit, with a $17.50 title fee. A surviving co-owner removes the deceased's name with proof of death and the unassigned title. |
|---|
More Missouri estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Missouri
- Small Estate Affidavit in Missouri
- Power of Attorney in Missouri
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Missouri
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Missouri
- How to Make a Valid Will in Missouri
- How Probate Works in Missouri
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Missouri
- Revocable Living Trusts in Missouri
- Executor Duties in Missouri
- Letters Testamentary in Missouri
- Affidavit of Heirship in Missouri
- How to Avoid Probate in Missouri
- All Missouri wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Missouri?
If the title names a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary, the beneficiary gets a new title on proof of death and surrender of the title. A surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may title one vehicle without a probate order by submitting an Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108), the title in the deceased's name, a copy of proof of death, a notarized Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (Form 2305), and an $8.50 title fee plus $9 processing fee. Otherwise, the vehicle must go through probate: submit Form 108, the title assigned by the administrator, executor or personal representative, and the original or certified Letters of Administration, Letters Testamentary or Small Estate Certificate/Affidavit, with a $17.50 title fee. A surviving co-owner removes the deceased's name with proof of death and the unassigned title.
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.