What to Do with a Deceased Person's Vehicle

A deceased person's vehicle — whether it's a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or recreational vehicle — requires specific handling as part of estate administration. The steps depend on whether there's an outstanding loan, how the title was held, and what the heirs want to do with it. Here's a practical guide.

First Steps: Insurance and Security

Keep the insurance active

Do not cancel the vehicle's insurance while the estate is being settled. An uninsured vehicle creates liability risk (if it's involved in an accident while someone is driving it, or if it's damaged), and many states require insurance for licensed vehicles. Contact the insurance company to notify them of the death and transfer the policy to the estate or the primary heir.

Secure the vehicle

If the deceased lived alone, ensure the vehicle is in a secure location — locked in a garage or in a safe parking spot. If the deceased had a parking permit or space that requires payment, deal with this promptly to avoid towing.

Is There a Loan on the Vehicle?

Check whether there is an outstanding auto loan — look for a lien on the title, or check bank statements for loan payments. If there is a loan, see our article on car loan after a death for your options (continue payments, pay off, sell, or surrender).

How the Title Was Held

The ownership structure of the vehicle title determines how it transfers:

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship

If the title listed two owners with "or" between their names (in most states, this indicates right of survivorship), the surviving owner typically gets the vehicle automatically. Bring the death certificate to your state's DMV and ask to transfer the title to your name alone.

Community property (sole owner in a community property state)

In the nine community property states — Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin — vehicles purchased during a marriage may be community property. The surviving spouse may be entitled to a share or all of the vehicle depending on state law.

Sole ownership (no joint holder)

The vehicle becomes an estate asset. The executor handles the transfer or sale as part of estate administration. This requires going through the state DMV with the necessary estate documentation.

Transferring the Title to an Heir

If an heir inherits the vehicle and wants to keep it, the title must be transferred. The process varies by state, but generally:

1. Obtain the vehicle title — check the deceased's files, the glove box, or their safe. If the original title can't be found, a duplicate can be obtained from the DMV.
2. Open probate (if required) and obtain letters testamentary — the executor can then sign the title on behalf of the estate
3. Submit to the DMV: the original title signed by the executor, the death certificate, the letters testamentary, and the heir's identification
4. Pay any applicable title transfer fees and taxes

Small estate procedures

Many states have simplified vehicle title transfer procedures for small estates (vehicles below a certain value). The heir may be able to transfer the title using a small estate affidavit rather than full probate. Check your state's DMV website for specific rules.

Selling the Vehicle

If no heir wants the vehicle, the executor can sell it and add the proceeds to the estate. Steps:

1. Get the vehicle appraised or check market value on Kelley Blue Book or Carmax's online offer tool
2. Advertise on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, CarGurus, or Autotrader
3. The executor signs the title as seller on behalf of the estate
4. The buyer takes the signed title to their state DMV to transfer ownership
5. Proceeds go into the estate account

Donating the Vehicle

Many charitable organizations accept vehicle donations — including cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. The charity handles the towing and sale, and you receive a tax receipt for the charitable deduction. Well-known vehicle donation programs include Kars4Kids, Vehicles for Veterans, and Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes. Research the charity's legitimacy before donating — some "charities" keep most of the proceeds.

Specialty Vehicles: Boats, RVs, Motorcycles

The same general principles apply to boats, RVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles, but each has its own titling and registration system:

• Boats: Title is held at the state DMV in most states, and also registered with the US Coast Guard if over 26 feet. Both records may need updating.
• RVs: Titled and registered like a vehicle at the DMV.
• Motorcycles: Titled and registered at the DMV.
• Classic/collector vehicles: Check for any insurance specifically for classic or collector cars — these policies may differ from standard auto insurance and have specific estate value provisions.

For the complete personal belongings guide, see our guide to handling a deceased person's belongings. For the broader context of property after a death, see our property and assets guide.