Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Virginia
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Virginia, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Virginia DMV procedures: (1) Joint owner with right of survivorship (names joined by 'or', or followed by 'or survivor' or 'Tenants by the Entirety'): submit the death certificate, the title and fees for a new title. Virginia DMV Guide DMV 105; Va. Code § 46.2-633
| Transferring a car after death | Virginia DMV procedures: (1) Joint owner with right of survivorship (names joined by 'or', or followed by 'or survivor' or 'Tenants by the Entirety'): submit the death certificate, the title and fees for a new title. (2) Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary named on the title: within 120 days after the owner's death, submit a death certificate or death verification, the title (or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title, VSA 12) and fees; after 120 days the beneficiary loses the right to title. (3) No executor or administrator will be appointed: the spouse, heir or will beneficiary brings the death certificate, title, a notarized copy of the will or a completed Statement of Authority to Assign Title (VSA 24), and fees; no sales and use tax is due on a transfer to a spouse, heir or will beneficiary. (4) Executor or administrator appointed: provide the death certificate, title, the court-issued document or will appointing the executor or administrator, and fees. Title transfers by operation of law are governed by Va. Code § 46.2-633. Statute: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter6/section46.2-633/ |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Virginia?
Virginia DMV procedures: (1) Joint owner with right of survivorship (names joined by 'or', or followed by 'or survivor' or 'Tenants by the Entirety'): submit the death certificate, the title and fees for a new title. (2) Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary named on the title: within 120 days after the owner's death, submit a death certificate or death verification, the title (or an Affidavit in Lieu of Title, VSA 12) and fees; after 120 days the beneficiary loses the right to title. (3) No executor or administrator will be appointed: the spouse, heir or will beneficiary brings the death certificate, title, a notarized copy of the will or a completed Statement of Authority to Assign Title (VSA 24), and fees; no sales and use tax is due on a transfer to a spouse, heir or will beneficiary. (4) Executor or administrator appointed: provide the death certificate, title, the court-issued document or will appointing the executor or administrator, and fees. Title transfers by operation of law are governed by Va. Code § 46.2-633.
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.