Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Pennsylvania
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Pennsylvania, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: PennDOT procedures: (1) Joint owners with right of survivorship (including spouses as tenants by the entireties): the survivor does not assign the title; PennDOT Fact Sheet, Vehicle Transfer after Death of Owner (April 2025)
| Transferring a car after death | PennDOT procedures: (1) Joint owners with right of survivorship (including spouses as tenants by the entireties): the survivor does not assign the title; submit the title with Form MV-39 and an original death certificate (or the MV-39 section completed by the physician or funeral director). (2) Executor or administrator appointed: the personal representative assigns the title to the new owner and submits a short form certificate from the Register of Wills and Form MV-4ST. (3) Will not probated: allowed only if the will leaves the vehicle to the surviving spouse, child(ren) or parent(s); submit the title assigned by that person, a copy of the will, Form MV-39, Form MV-4ST and proof of death. (4) No will and no administrator: the title is assigned by the surviving spouse and adult children (or, with no spouse or minor heirs, by all heirs), with Form MV-39, Form MV-4ST and proof of death. No title fee is charged when the vehicle is titled to the surviving spouse. |
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More Pennsylvania estate law
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- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Pennsylvania
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- How Probate Works in Pennsylvania
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- Affidavit of Heirship in Pennsylvania
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- All Pennsylvania wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT procedures: (1) Joint owners with right of survivorship (including spouses as tenants by the entireties): the survivor does not assign the title; submit the title with Form MV-39 and an original death certificate (or the MV-39 section completed by the physician or funeral director). (2) Executor or administrator appointed: the personal representative assigns the title to the new owner and submits a short form certificate from the Register of Wills and Form MV-4ST. (3) Will not probated: allowed only if the will leaves the vehicle to the surviving spouse, child(ren) or parent(s); submit the title assigned by that person, a copy of the will, Form MV-39, Form MV-4ST and proof of death. (4) No will and no administrator: the title is assigned by the surviving spouse and adult children (or, with no spouse or minor heirs, by all heirs), with Form MV-39, Form MV-4ST and proof of death. No title fee is charged when the vehicle is titled to the surviving spouse.
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.