Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in New Mexico
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in New Mexico, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: The MVD offers three routes. (1) Court-appointed personal representative: submit the title, a certified copy of the court's order appointing the personal representative and acceptance, a bill of sale or title assignment (MVD-10009) and an odometer statement (MVD-10187). NMSA 1978, §§ 45-3-1201, 66-3-105; NM MVD Vehicle Procedures Manual, Chapter 8
| Transferring a car after death | The MVD offers three routes. (1) Court-appointed personal representative: submit the title, a certified copy of the court's order appointing the personal representative and acceptance, a bill of sale or title assignment (MVD-10009) and an odometer statement (MVD-10187). (2) Claiming successor: 30 days after death, if no personal representative has been sought and the entire estate (less liens) is within the $50,000 limit, anyone entitled to the vehicle (not necessarily a relative) submits the title, an Affidavit of Claiming Successor (MVD-10013), a certified death certificate, any lien release and an odometer statement. (3) Transfer Without Probate: a spouse or legal heir entitled to the vehicle by law, where the vehicle was not left to someone else by will, uses a Certificate of Transfer Without Probate (MVD-10011) with the same supporting documents. No excise tax is due when a beneficiary receives the vehicle for no consideration. |
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More New Mexico estate law
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- All New Mexico wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in New Mexico?
The MVD offers three routes. (1) Court-appointed personal representative: submit the title, a certified copy of the court's order appointing the personal representative and acceptance, a bill of sale or title assignment (MVD-10009) and an odometer statement (MVD-10187). (2) Claiming successor: 30 days after death, if no personal representative has been sought and the entire estate (less liens) is within the $50,000 limit, anyone entitled to the vehicle (not necessarily a relative) submits the title, an Affidavit of Claiming Successor (MVD-10013), a certified death certificate, any lien release and an odometer statement. (3) Transfer Without Probate: a spouse or legal heir entitled to the vehicle by law, where the vehicle was not left to someone else by will, uses a Certificate of Transfer Without Probate (MVD-10011) with the same supporting documents. No excise tax is due when a beneficiary receives the vehicle for no consideration.
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.