Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Oregon
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Oregon, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Oregon DMV rules: if the title was issued with survivorship, the surviving owner transfers it with proof of death (a death certificate, a court document naming the owner as deceased, or a law-enforcement notice). Oregon DMV Title and Registration Handbook, Chapter G (Operation of Law/Trusts)
| Transferring a car after death | Oregon DMV rules: if the title was issued with survivorship, the surviving owner transfers it with proof of death (a death certificate, a court document naming the owner as deceased, or a law-enforcement notice). Without survivorship: if the estate is being probated, DMV needs a copy of the letters testamentary (or equivalent appointment) and a release of interest signed by the personal representative; if the estate has closed, a copy of the decree (judgment) of final distribution showing who received the vehicle; if the estate is not probated, a fully completed Inheritance Affidavit (Form 735-516) signed by all heirs before a notary, showing who receives the vehicle. A simple estate affidavit filed with the county can also be used. The title is required if available. |
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More Oregon estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Oregon
- Small Estate Affidavit in Oregon
- Power of Attorney in Oregon
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Oregon
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Oregon
- How to Make a Valid Will in Oregon
- How Probate Works in Oregon
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Oregon
- Revocable Living Trusts in Oregon
- Executor Duties in Oregon
- Letters Testamentary in Oregon
- Affidavit of Heirship in Oregon
- How to Avoid Probate in Oregon
- All Oregon wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Oregon?
Oregon DMV rules: if the title was issued with survivorship, the surviving owner transfers it with proof of death (a death certificate, a court document naming the owner as deceased, or a law-enforcement notice). Without survivorship: if the estate is being probated, DMV needs a copy of the letters testamentary (or equivalent appointment) and a release of interest signed by the personal representative; if the estate has closed, a copy of the decree (judgment) of final distribution showing who received the vehicle; if the estate is not probated, a fully completed Inheritance Affidavit (Form 735-516) signed by all heirs before a notary, showing who receives the vehicle. A simple estate affidavit filed with the county can also be used. The title is required if available.
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.