Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Texas
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Texas, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Apply at the county tax assessor-collector's office. If the title names a beneficiary under a Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-121), the beneficiary applies for title no later than the 180th day after the owner's death (or the last surviving joint owner's death). Tex. Transp. Code § 501.0315; TxDMV Form VTR-262
| Transferring a car after death | Apply at the county tax assessor-collector's office. If the title names a beneficiary under a Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-121), the beneficiary applies for title no later than the 180th day after the owner's death (or the last surviving joint owner's death). If the estate is probated, the executor or administrator uses the letters testamentary or letters of administration as proof of authority. If the estate is not probated (no will, or a will with no probate application filed, or a court has found no administration necessary), the heirs complete the Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262), signed before a notary by each heir, along with an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) and any release of lien. Falsifying the affidavit is a third-degree felony. Vehicle beneficiary statute: https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/TN/htm/TN.501.htm |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Texas?
Apply at the county tax assessor-collector's office. If the title names a beneficiary under a Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-121), the beneficiary applies for title no later than the 180th day after the owner's death (or the last surviving joint owner's death). If the estate is probated, the executor or administrator uses the letters testamentary or letters of administration as proof of authority. If the estate is not probated (no will, or a will with no probate application filed, or a court has found no administration necessary), the heirs complete the Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-262), signed before a notary by each heir, along with an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) and any release of lien. Falsifying the affidavit is a third-degree felony.
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.