Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Washington
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Washington, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: Washington Department of Licensing: if the title shows joint tenancy with right of survivorship, the survivor provides a copy of the death certificate. Washington DOL form TD-420-041, Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation
| Transferring a car after death | Washington Department of Licensing: if the title shows joint tenancy with right of survivorship, the survivor provides a copy of the death certificate. If no executor or administrator is appointed, the heir completes the Inheritance section of the Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation (TD-420-041), signed before a notary or a vehicle licensing agent, certifying that the estate needs no administration, the vehicle was not left to someone else by will, no relative with a prior right survives, and debts have been provided for; submit it with the title and a copy of the death certificate. If an executor or administrator was appointed, provide the letters testamentary or letters of administration, or a county clerk Certificate of Transfer (the Litigation section of the same form), submitted with a Vehicle Title Application. |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Washington?
Washington Department of Licensing: if the title shows joint tenancy with right of survivorship, the survivor provides a copy of the death certificate. If no executor or administrator is appointed, the heir completes the Inheritance section of the Affidavit of Inheritance/Litigation (TD-420-041), signed before a notary or a vehicle licensing agent, certifying that the estate needs no administration, the vehicle was not left to someone else by will, no relative with a prior right survives, and debts have been provided for; submit it with the title and a copy of the death certificate. If an executor or administrator was appointed, provide the letters testamentary or letters of administration, or a county clerk Certificate of Transfer (the Litigation section of the same form), submitted with a Vehicle Title Application.
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.