Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Vermont
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Vermont, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Vermont DMV requirements: (1) Titled to spouses as tenants by the entirety: a copy of the death certificate identifying the surviving spouse. Vermont DMV, Death of Owner
| Transferring a car after death | Vermont DMV requirements: (1) Titled to spouses as tenants by the entirety: a copy of the death certificate identifying the surviving spouse. (2) Titled to joint tenants or partners, or to the deceased with a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation: a copy of the death certificate (and the original title with any lien release). (3) Otherwise, with no will and no probate, or a will that was not probated: a copy of the death certificate and a letter from an officer of the court (an attorney, court clerk or probate judge) naming the person entitled to the vehicle, plus the original title properly assigned. (4) With probate: a letter from the Probate Court showing the appointment of the administrator or executor, who assigns the title. Surviving spouse exception (23 V.S.A. §§ 2023, 3816): a surviving spouse may have up to two vehicles transferred with no fees if the deceased spouse died without a will or the will does not specifically address motor vehicles, unless the vehicle is titled to someone other than the deceased and the spouse. The vehicle must be re-registered if the registration has expired or the new owner is not already registered. Source: Vermont DMV, Death of Owner |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Vermont?
Vermont DMV requirements: (1) Titled to spouses as tenants by the entirety: a copy of the death certificate identifying the surviving spouse. (2) Titled to joint tenants or partners, or to the deceased with a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation: a copy of the death certificate (and the original title with any lien release). (3) Otherwise, with no will and no probate, or a will that was not probated: a copy of the death certificate and a letter from an officer of the court (an attorney, court clerk or probate judge) naming the person entitled to the vehicle, plus the original title properly assigned. (4) With probate: a letter from the Probate Court showing the appointment of the administrator or executor, who assigns the title. Surviving spouse exception (23 V.S.A. §§ 2023, 3816): a surviving spouse may have up to two vehicles transferred with no fees if the deceased spouse died without a will or the will does not specifically address motor vehicles, unless the vehicle is titled to someone other than the deceased and the spouse. The vehicle must be re-registered if the registration has expired or the new owner is not already registered.
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.