How to Handle the Car When the Owner Passes Away?

[DiEva]

If the original owner unfortunately passes away, it is necessary to bring the death certificate to the notary office for notarization. Bring the notarized inheritance certificate from the notary office, the identity proof of the heir, the vehicle license, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and drive the car to the local vehicle management office to complete the transfer procedures. To process the inheritance notarization, it needs to follow the general inheritance procedures. If there is a will, the inheritance will be executed according to the will. According to the first sequence of heirs of the deceased, the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased will equally share the inheritance. Gather all first-sequence heirs to the notary office together.

[VonJoanna]

When the car owner passes away, as a family member, I would first determine if they left a will. If so, the will usually specifies who inherits the vehicle; if not, inheritance laws apply, with priority given to spouses, children, etc. Next, the inheritor must bring documents such as the death certificate, identification, and the vehicle's title to the DMV to complete the transfer process. This process may be straightforward or complicated, especially if multiple people inherit the car—it's best to discuss whether to keep it or sell it and divide the proceeds. Emotionally, if the car holds special memories, like family trips, I would talk to my family about preserving it. But if it's no longer needed, selling it is more practical. You can have the car appraised and sell it to a dealership or an online used car platform to avoid ongoing insurance costs. If the car is beyond repair, contact a recycling center for disposal—never abandon it. Throughout the process, consulting a lawyer is essential to avoid disputes, as this is a significant matter.

[SanRichard]

I think when dealing with such matters, start from daily life: after a family member passes away, the car is usually taken over by relatives. First, you need to find out who the legal heir is. If there is no will, it should follow the legal order of succession. Then, quickly handle the transfer of ownership; otherwise, leaving the car parked for too long may cause issues like traffic violations or expired insurance. Specifically, you’ll need the death certificate, the vehicle registration certificate, and the heir’s ID at the DMV. I’ve seen friends handle this quickly. After that, decision-making is crucial: you can drive the car directly, but it’s best to check its mechanical condition to avoid problems. If selling, the used car market is quite active now—take photos, list it online, or get an appraisal from a dealership to exchange it for cash to cover expenses. Don’t overlook the emotional aspect, especially if the car was a beloved possession of the deceased; keeping it as a memento can be meaningful. Throughout the process, ensure safe parking to avoid towing or damage.

[SanSpencer]

If the car owner passes away, the first priority is for the heir to take over the vehicle. First, confirm who has inheritance rights, such as family relations; then bring the necessary documents to the vehicle management office to complete the ownership transfer registration, legally transferring the title. If you plan to continue using the car, remember to renew the insurance and annual inspection; otherwise, if you decide to sell, evaluate it on a used car platform, set a reasonable price, and sell it quickly to cash out. Avoid delays in the process to prevent the car from sitting idle and developing issues.