Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in West Virginia
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in West Virginia, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: West Virginia DMV: if no administrator has been appointed and the decedent left no will, the legal heir(s) complete the Legal Heir Affidavit (DMV-185-TR), sworn before a notary, stating they are the legal heirs and have been designated as new owner(s) by agreement of all other legal… West Virginia DMV form DMV-185-TR, Legal Heir Affidavit
| Transferring a car after death | West Virginia DMV: if no administrator has been appointed and the decedent left no will, the legal heir(s) complete the Legal Heir Affidavit (DMV-185-TR), sworn before a notary, stating they are the legal heirs and have been designated as new owner(s) by agreement of all other legal heirs (other heirs sign to relinquish their rights); a copy of the death certificate must accompany it, and it can be used to transfer the vehicle into the heir's name or to sign on the deceased owner's behalf. If there is a will or an appointed executor or administrator, a certified copy of the court appointment is required (a copy of the will alone is not accepted). License plates may be transferred to legal heirs, but the new owner needs a valid insurance certificate to register the vehicle. DMV forms list: https://dmv.wv.gov/forms |
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More West Virginia estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in West Virginia
- Small Estate Affidavit in West Virginia
- Power of Attorney in West Virginia
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in West Virginia
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in West Virginia
- How to Make a Valid Will in West Virginia
- How Probate Works in West Virginia
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in West Virginia
- Revocable Living Trusts in West Virginia
- Executor Duties in West Virginia
- Letters Testamentary in West Virginia
- Affidavit of Heirship in West Virginia
- How to Avoid Probate in West Virginia
- All West Virginia wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in West Virginia?
West Virginia DMV: if no administrator has been appointed and the decedent left no will, the legal heir(s) complete the Legal Heir Affidavit (DMV-185-TR), sworn before a notary, stating they are the legal heirs and have been designated as new owner(s) by agreement of all other legal heirs (other heirs sign to relinquish their rights); a copy of the death certificate must accompany it, and it can be used to transfer the vehicle into the heir's name or to sign on the deceased owner's behalf. If there is a will or an appointed executor or administrator, a certified copy of the court appointment is required (a copy of the will alone is not accepted). License plates may be transferred to legal heirs, but the new owner needs a valid insurance certificate to register the vehicle.
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.