Losing a loved one is difficult. Today we’ll walk you through how to transfer an inherited vehicle title in New York quickly and conveniently online. In this step-by-step guide we’ll cover:

• How To Transfer a Car Title in New York after the death of the owner.
• Special Considerations for Transferring an Inherited Vehicle Title in New York

How to Transfer an Inherited Vehicle Title in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have been named the inheritor of a vehicle after its owner passes away, there will be a few actions you’ll have to take. Unless you are the surviving spouse of the deceased, here’s what you’ll need to do to transfer the title:

1. Mail documents to the NY DMV

If the deceased was a close family member, you can begin the title transfer process by mailing a copy of their death certificate and a photocopy of their license or ID to the DMV’s License Production Bureau at P.O. Box 2688 ESP Albany, NY 12220-0668.

2. Surrender the current plates

Once you have access to the vehicle, remove the current plates and registration tags. Take the plates and tags to your local DMV to surrender them.

3. Request a registration refund (optional)

In some cases, you can request a refund of the registration fee paid by the deceased. To do so, request a transfer receipt when you surrender the vehicle’s plates. Once you have that document, you can have the executor of the deceased’s estate send it and the following items to the address listed on Form MV-215:

• A completed and signed Request for Refund (Form MV-215)with “deceased” written on the form and photocopy of the death certificate

4. Gather necessary documents

To transfer an inherited vehicle title in New York, gather and fill out the following documents:

1. Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82)
2. Proof of your name and date of birth, such as a current passport, vehicle registration, utility bill, bank statement, or an income tax W-2. For a full list of acceptable proofs, see Form ID-82.
3. Original vehicle title in the name of the deceased
4. Lien release
5. Any of the following: Form MV-349, Form MV-349.1, Letters Testamentary from the estate executor, Letters of Administration from the administrator of an estate, or an Affidavit from the Voluntary Administrator.
6. Proof of sales tax (either Form DTF-802, Form DTF-803, or Form FS-6T)
7. New York State insurance card in the name of the person registering the vehicle.

5. Transfer the vehicle title to yourself or another party

Once you have all those documents and your form of payment for the title transfer fee, you can complete the transfer online at eTags.com. If you have any questions during the transfer process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert Title Specialists to get fast, top-notch assistance!

6. Register the vehicle using the new title

If you’re ready to start driving the car, here at eTags we can help you get registered and road legal quickly and easily.

Special Considerations for Transferring an Inherited Vehicle Title in New York

Usually, completing an inherited vehicle transfer in New York is a straightforward process. However, special circumstances may pop up. Your title transfer may be more involved in these instances:

• Vehicles valued at over $25,000 – When a vehicle worth more than $25,000 is transferred, you’ll have to pay the estate tax even if you are under 21 or are the surviving spouse. You’ll also have to provide a copy of Letters of Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a Voluntary Administrator’s affidavit from the Surrogate Court, along with the other documents needed to complete a transfer.
• Out-of-state vehicles – Vehicles that have an out-of-state title need to be transferred by an executor or administrator of an estate.
• People under 21 – Inheritors under the age of 21 need to have their parent or guardian sign the title certificate on their behalf.

Have Questions About Transferring an Inherited Vehicle Title in New York?

eTags Is Here to Help!

With this guide in hand, you’ll have everything you need to quickly complete your inherited vehicle title transfer. Of course, if you still have questions, our capable Title Specialists are ready to help make your NY title transfer as smooth as possible. With their assistance, you can complete your transfer online, and get back to spending time with your family instead of waiting in line at the DMV.

Transfer Your New York Title