Transferring Vehicle Ownership At Death There are several possible methods for transferring the ownership, or title(s) of the vehicle(s)* registered in the name of the deceased. We've listed only the most common circumstances conducted at DMV. Joint Owner with Right of Survivorship You are considered a joint owner with the right of survivorship if: your name is listed on the title as one of the vehicle owners and "or" appears between the names listed, the words "or survivor" appear after the names, or the words "Tenants by the Entireties" or "Tenants by the Entirety" appear after the names. You may re-title the deceased's vehicle in your name by submitting to DMV: Certified or notarized death certificate Vehicle title If your existing title is lost or stolen, you must submit an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66) and receive a substitute title in your name. You will not be required to apply for a replacement title first in this situation. If your existing title is mutilated or illegible, you must complete a VSA 66 in addition to surrendering the title. Payment of appropriate fees DMV will issue a new title and registration in your name. Not a Joint Owner or a Joint Owner Without the Right of Survivorship: You are not a joint owner if: Your name does not appear on the title. You are a joint owner without the right of survivorship if your name is listed on the title as one of the vehicle owners and: the word "and" appears between the names listed, or the words "or survivor" do not appear after the names, or the words "Tenants by the Entireties" or "Tenants by the Entirety" do not appear after the names. Clearing the Driver's License or Photo Identification Card Record Clearing the deceased's driver's license or photo identification (ID) card record is a simple procedure that will remove his or her name from DMV's mailing list. By doing so, you can avoid future mailings and prevent others from using his or her name for fraudulent purposes. To clear these records, bring the deceased's death certificate, driver's license or photo ID card and any disabled parking placards or plates to a DMV customer service center. | General Rule: Vehicles can be transferred pursuant to Virginia Code Section 46.2-634 if no personal representative has been qualified. This section authorizes the beneficiary to submit evidence of the owner’s death and his or her claim to ownership of the vehicle to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Virginia Code Section 29.1-717.3 provides for a similar mechanism for titles to boats. If Executor or Administrator Will Not be Appointed If the vehicle is transferred to you as the spouse or heir, or under the will, you will not be required to pay sales and use tax. If you inherit the vehicle, bring each of the following to DMV:
The executor or administrator must provide:
**Executors and administrators are usually named in a will. However, if no will exists, the court, under certain circumstances, will appoint an executor or administrator. Content Provided By Va DMV 2009 and subject to change without notice on this site |
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