What to Do with the Car Under the Name of a Deceased Person?
3 Answers
The owner of the car has unfortunately passed away. Take the death certificate to the notary office for notarization. Bring the death certificate of the owner, the inheritance notarization, the identity proof of the heir, the vehicle license, the motor vehicle registration certificate, and drive the car to the vehicle management office to complete the transfer procedures.
When I hear someone ask what to do with a vehicle after the owner passes away, I share key steps in the inheritance process. First, you need to determine the deceased's estate situation, such as whether there is a will. If there is a will, the designated heir should handle the transfer according to the will; if not, follow the statutory order of inheritance, typically spouse, children, or parents. Then, bring the death certificate, inheritance notarization, ID card, and other required documents to the DMV to complete the vehicle transfer. During the transfer, also check the vehicle insurance to avoid wasted premiums or fines. If you plan to sell the car, it's best to get an appraisal from a used car market or through an app; if keeping it, perform regular maintenance to prevent depreciation. The entire process may require legal assistance, and timely handling can save a lot of trouble.
As someone who has personally experienced handling a vehicle after a family member's passing, I suggest first keeping the car keys safe to avoid losing them. Next, contact the insurance company to cancel unnecessary coverage to prevent wasting money. Decide the car's future based on family circumstances: if someone in the family can use it, transfer ownership directly—it's simple and practical; if not, selling or donating to charity are good options. When selling, use a reliable platform for valuation to avoid being lowballed. The transfer procedures are handled at the DMV, and bringing all required documents takes about half a day. Remember to address parking fees and annual inspections, as delays can lead to extra charges. Overall, the key is to proceed step by step without rushing, ensuring all documents are complete.
