If you’ve just lost a loved one, we understand that the very last thing you want to think about is something dry and technical like vehicle documentation. It is a subject that indeed must pale in comparison to the importance of grieving soon after the passing of a dear one. But the end of life is an inevitability for all of us, and in many cases so is the pile of paperwork that comes along with it.
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
It is our aim with this post to ease the seeming banality of having to transfer ownership of a vehicle from a deceased person. In other words, we want to help make this process a lot more clear than it appears at first glance. Let us lend a hand, take something off your plate during this difficult period. At eTags, while we recognize the challenge of experiencing the death of someone you love, we’ve seen time and again, how the “little things” like not having one less thing to worry about can lighten the load. How it can free up time for things that feel important, necessary.
If you happen to be the executor of the will, or the relative in charge of taking care of “things,” you likely have the responsibility of handling any vehicles left behind. This includes anything from motorcycles to RV’s to EV’s to boats – it is Florida, after all. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few key elements that are important to know when transferring the title of a deceased person to someone new.
Selling? Gifting?
The first question is: Are you planning on selling the vehicle? Perhaps you want to gift it to someone? Whether you want to keep the deceased person’s vehicle, plan on selling it, think that you may want to gift the vehicle to a family member, or even donate it to a nonprofit organization, you’ll have to first transfer the title.
If you happen to be the surviving spouse, the process of the above actions are a bit easier. You have the ability to transfer the vehicle to a buyer or beneficiary without having to title the vehicle in your name first. As long as the estate owes no debt, and as long as any living heirs and the spouse (you) agree on the estate’s distribution, the transfer is simple.
Probate Court, the Will, and a Florida Vehicle Title Transfer
The transfer of a motor vehicle after death in Florida is governed by Section 319.28 of the Florida Statutes. When a car owner passes away, the executor or beneficiary has to apply for a new title certificate with The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). If the deceased person left a will, a copy of the will must accompany the title transfer in FL application.
It’s important to know that a vehicle title can’t be transferred in Florida until the probate is completed
Probate is a legal process that handles how to administer the estate. It typically happens when there is no living spouse or beneficiary listed on the will. The probate proves that the will is legitimate, verifying the deceased person’s assets and property. A car title can’t be transferred until the probate is completed. Probate may only be avoided if the estate is not indebted. If the deceased person had any debts, the creditor claims must first be resolved.
Title Transfer of a Vehicle without a Will
If the deceased person did not leave behind a Last Will and Testament, you’ll need several documents in order to transfer a vehicle title in Florida. It may seem overwhelming, but all of the following are easily obtained and are issued on a regular basis. Meaning, that although this may be new for you, the offices that facilitate the documents are well accustomed to the process. As long as you know what you need, you’re on the right path.
So, here’s what you need to gather:
- The completed application for the certificate of title, which you can find on the FL DMV website Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040)
- The current certificate of title for the deceased person’s vehicle or other satisfactory proof of ownership or that he/she owns it
- Death certificate
- Proof of ID
- An affidavit that the estate is not indebted
- An affidavit that the surviving spouse, if any, and the heirs, if any, have agreed on how the estate assets will be divided
One important note here: in Section 1 of Form 82040, when it asks for the owner’s name and address, it is referring to the person who’s receiving the new title – this means the new owner rather than the previous owner who passed away
Title Transfer of a Vehicle with a Will
If there is a Last Will and Testament available, you’ll need the following documentation to transfer the vehicle title in Florida:
- The completed application “Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration” for the certificate of title; also known as HSMV form 82040
- You can find HSMV form 82040 on the FLHSMV website
- The current certificate of title for the deceased person’s vehicle or other satisfactory proof of ownership or that he/she owns it
- Death certificate
- Proof of ID
- If the will is being probated, a certified copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted; or
- If the will is not being probated, a sworn copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted
A marriage certificate will also required unless the name of the surviving spouse is shown on the death certificate.
Convenient Title Transfer Online with eTags
To make this super clear, the two most common questions we get with regard to title transfer of deceased persons are:
Q: Can I transfer my Florida title online with eTags?
A: One hundred percent you can. It’s a really simple and process that we do on a daily basis, many, many times per day.
Q: Can I transfer a title of a deceased person online with eTags?
A: You absolutely can. As long as you have the necessary paperwork (which we can guide you throug), we can facilitate the transfer for you.
If you can gather all the above documentation, you are well on your way to transferring the title of a deceased person in the state of Florida. While it may seem like a lot to accomplish during a difficult time, again, these are all very straightforward and common documents that can be made available relatively quickly and easily. Of course, if you have any questions or need a hand with this whole process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are experts at all kinds of title transfers and are happy to make this procedure as simple as it can possibly be for you. Come visit us at eTags.com, because as always, we’re here to help!
314 comments
My husband passed away and when I finished paying for the vehicle, I requested the vehicle title and additionally that they change the name. Everything went well. Since it is like an inheritance, I did not pay taxes on the vehicle. I am trying to register the vehicle title in Texas and they are asking me for proof, mail or certification that taxes were not paid. Where should I request that proof? Is there an agency that offers that service so I can contact them and pay them?
It’s likely that the TX DMV is using the most recent date printed on your title, which would be the date that you got the new title just in your name, as an indication that you may have recently acquired the vehicle which, in many states, requires that they confirm if and where sales tax was paid. If you have the bill of sale or purchase agreement from when you bought the car, that should suffice. If you do not have that, your former lender may be able to send you a copy. If that is not an option, we recommend contacting the TX DMV to ask them what alternate documents you can provide to prove that you have owned the vehicle for more than a year. They may accept an old registration card with your husband’s names and yours along with his death certificate. Ultimately, you are trying to prove that the recent date printed on the title is not an indication that you recently acquired the vehicle. Best of luck.
Hi,
Mom passed then Dad just recently passed. They had a will, I am the executor but reside in NJ. The estate is not being probated. My brother lived with them in FL and wants to keep Dad’s old pick up which I am in agreement. Do I have to file application for certificate of motor vehicle and then transfer the vehicle to my brother? Or can it filed directly for him and avoid the extra transfer step? Thank you.
Our condolences for your losses.
Please seek legal counsel on the best way to get the vehicle transferred into your brother’s name. Since the state of Florida typically requires probate documents, you may find it difficult, depending on the county or office you visit, to get the title simply by presenting the will.
My uncle in Broward County passed away, and the car is in his name. He has no children, nor has he ever married. I, his niece, am the personal representative/executor of his will. I live in New Hampshire. How can I get a new title in Florida with my name on it without going thru probate, so I can then get a title in New Hampshire.
We recommend seeking legal counsel if you are looking to avoid going through the probate process.
Most tax collectors offices and tag agencies would require either a death certificate where you are named the immediate family member (and as long as there is spouse on the death certificate) or court documents such as those issued through the probate process in order to issue the title. Best of luck.
Hello!
My mother passed away in 2021 without a will and no named estate executor. She has a car that is in her name and it is currently parked at a relative’s house. I’m her only child and would like to get the car put into my name. The car is almost 20 years old and worth less than $5K. Will this need to go through probate? Or can I just fill out the form and provide the death certificate to the DMV?
Our condolences for your loss.
In Florida, the only way to get a title transferred without probate or estate documents is if the surviving spouse named on the death certificate does the transfer. If there is no surviving spouse named on the death certificate, you will need to go through probate but we recommend seeking legal counsel to make sure you can explore all options. It’s also important to note that some DMV/Tax Collector offices in Florida will accept documents or require documents that other offices won’t. While it should not be that way, we also recommend contact your local office to see what they will require. If you find any useful options that may help other people in your situation, please reply here.
Hi both of my parents passed away and I have the title which was in both of their names. I have a probate case just about done, but I really need to transfer the car in my name because my car just broke down. What do I need and how can I transfer the car without the probate being completed. Am I able to transfer the car in my name I am the only heir and the only one in charge of the estate.
With an estate document, the probate documents are usually the only other way you can complete the transfer. In FL, only the surviving spouse named on the death certificate can transfer a title without either estate or probate documents.
Hello, my niece’s father passed away. He was not married, nor did he leave a will. He has two vehicles (paid off) but cannot locate the Title to the vehicles. Do you know how we can tranfer the vehicle to her name? What if she would like to sell one but keep one. Please advise.
We recommend seeking legal counsel. In most similar cases, you will need to go through court to get probate documents. The person or people named on the probate documents would be the one(s) who can transfer the vehicle.
Hello, my uncle passed a few years ago. His estate has gone through probate. I currently have his car in my possession .The heirs are myself, my 2 brothers and my sister. None of them want the car. it is my understanding I get letters from them stating this and the above form, copies of the probate, and his death certificate and I can get the car transfered into my name. I do not have a copy of the title for the car. I assume I must apply for a new title to show his ownership before I send in all the paperwork. Thank you for any assistance you can give.
You are correct on the documents you will need in order to transfer ownership. You will need the title first before you can transfer the ownership and the same letters/affidavits you would use for the transfer can be used to request the title first.
HI, I am in Florida. I have a complicated situation I need help with. My wife and I were best of friends with our buddy Curtis. He had cancer. He gave my wife full control including health proxy, POA etc. because he was going to get a divorce from his wife (not a US citizen) and he gave her instructions to her about transferring assets if he took a turn for the worse. One of those assets is vehicles. He told my wife to leave the car he bought for his wife with her and the pickup truck he gave to his stepson should remain with him. All other vehicles (roughly 5 or 6) he wanted gifted to his Father in Michigan. All but one of those vehicles do not have any real value (less than $1000) with the exception of his pickup truck which has a lien from a bank. The gifting was done while Curtis was alive and captured on the appropriate signed and notarized affidavit. Unfortunately, Curtis passed away before we could obtain duplicate titles or get transferred by his father. How can we get the titles transferred. We have the POA, the affidavit gifting the vehicles (executed before he passed away) and the death certificate.
Our condolences for your loss.
You will either need a will that has already gone through probate or estate documents that name the heirs or personal representative. You may instead consider seeking legal counsel to see if the PoA and affidavit can be used without the probate or estate in order to get the vehicles transferred. Best of luck.
Father died. Mother is living spouse but wants to gift the car to another family member. What is needed from both parties to do a transfer? Proof of insurance?! Is a new license plate needed?! We are at a complete lost
Our condolences for your loss.
If the FL title has your mother’s and father’s name separated by the word “OR”, then she can request a duplicate title (if she doesn’t already have the the title) and sign the title over as the “seller” to your family member without any extra/additional documents.
If the FL title is only in your father’s name or if it has both your parents name separated by a slash (/) or “AND”, then your mother must prove that your father is deceased and that she is the surviving spouse. If she is named as the surviving spouse on his death certificate, then that is all she will need to request a duplicate title and then sign as the seller and surviving spouse. Assuming you feel comfortable providing a copy of the death certificate to the family member to whom the vehicle is being gifted, they can use the copy of the death certificate, the title, their ID, and Florida insurance to transfer and register the vehicle in their name. If your prefer to not have to provide a copy of the death certificate to the family member, it would be best (although not required) to first have the title transferred to your mother’s name (only) and then use the new title to provide to the family member.
Since your mother is the surviving spouse and assuming she is named as such on the death certicate, she can request a duplicate title from the DMV if she doesn’t have the title and then sign the title as the seller. Your family member to whom the vehicle is being gifted would sign the title as the buyer.
Hi my brother in law pass away unexpectedly of natural cause of death. His wife and sister is the only sibling and family he got . His car is paid off and how can it be transfer to his sister or his wife.
Our condolences for your family’s loss.
If there is no will or estate that named a specific heir or beneficiary, then his wife would be the immediate heir. With the death certificate showing her name as the surviving spouse, she can transfer the title into her name. This can be done in person at any Florida tax collector or private tag office or online with eTags. Wishing you and your family all the best.
Dad passed away in Florida. The death certificate shows me as informant. He has a will naming me as Executor and also in the Residue clause. His only property a car that is in his name only. The car was paid off and I have the Title (PET) with a lien satisfaction portion at the top. Can this be transferred into my name? I am in Ohio.
Our condolences for your loss.
You’ll need the will, death certificate, and the Florida title to complete the transfer to your name at an Ohio title office. If you choose to use eTags online transfer service in OH, we’ll ask you to mail us a certified copy of the death certificate and the original FL title. A scanned copy of the will is acceptable. If you don’t have the FL title and need to order a replacement, you can do so online with eTags where you will only need to provide copies of the death certificate, will, and your ID which you can upload via your eTags account.
My mother passed away in late 2023 and left her vehicle in her will to me. I live in Virginia and currently have the vehicle here with me. I would like to transfer ownership of the vehicle to my son. Do I need a new title from Florida or can I go through Virginia DMV for the changes? Thanks in advance.
Our condolences for your loss. Because each state DMV has their own rules and regulations, you will have to consult directly with the VA DMV to confirm if what they will require. Please visit the VA DMV website here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/ – They may allow you to use the existing title in still in your mother’s name where you may sign the title over directly to your son as the executor to beneficiary depending on what the will states. The VA DMV may instead require that you first have the title transferred into your name before it can be transferred to your son. Whether you obtain a new title in your name from FL or VA is likely of no consequence, except whatever you find easier to do based on your findings with the VA DMV. Best of luck.
My uncle passed away in October. He was a Florida resident, His will has now gone through probate. We cannot locate his title which we were told was a paper issued title. In addition we need to transfer ownership to the administrator of the will. The administrator lives in Washington DC, the car is in FL. Do you know the steps to go through to get the necessary title and transfers?
The administrator of the will can request a replacement title and it can be mailed to them in Washington. They must provided copies of the probate/court documents and may be required to furnish originals or certified copies, along with their ID and possibly other documents based on what is stated in the probate documents. Depending on what the administrator of the will intends to do with the vehicle (keep, sell it, etc) and what state the vehicle will ultimately be registered, the requirements to transfer ownership will vary.
My only daughter recently passed and had no will or estate and no spouse and no children. We both reside/d in Florida. Does this make me the heir to the vehicle? Or is probate still required for someone with no estate? Im the sole individual having to handle all her affairs and property now.
Hi Christine, our sincere condolences for your loss. You will indeed need a legal document that confirms that you are the beneficiary. This can be a letters of probate or even a will. Even if you are listed on the death certificate as a beneficiary, you may still find resistance with that since, other than a surviving spouse, all other beneficiaries in FL must be able to prove the claim on any asset.
My daughters husband at the time bought her a car in both their names right before he filed for divorce. He did this because his credit was needed for the loan and he knew she would not have a car once he left her. He divorced her and moved 8 hours away. The car is now paid off, but the title is still in both of their names with and/or. My daughter passed away recently, and has no will. Does her ex-husband automatically get her car, or can I apply for probate for her asset? She had no children.
Sorry for your loss, check out section 2a/1a
Both my grandparents(Florida residents) passed and my mother is the only heir. We were told the vehicle was exempt from probate. It has a lien holder. She attempted to sell but everyone is concerned with the title being in the deceased names. I’m at a loss on where to even start to straighten everything out.
She can transfer the title into her name with proof that she’s heir and death certificate. You may also need a lien release. You can start the process online with eTags as you’ll have a title specialist communicating with you, advising you about all forms and process. You can also call our customer support.
If my brother is deceased and my sister is executor of his estate and she gives me the title to his motorcycle, what do I need to do to get it registered and tag able?
The title must be assigned to you, then you must transfer the title into your name. You can register the bike at the same time of title transfer to get plate. You can do this online.
My nephew passed away intestate, we have been granted administrative rights by the Florida courts. He has a automobile with expired Plates. How do we get the registration and title in our name?
If you do not have the title, person with Admin Rights must apply for a dup title. Then you can use eTags online services title transfer + registration.
If you have the title, person with Admin.Rights must sign the title as seller and person desiring to take take must sign as buyer. Then place an order for a transfer with new registration.
Hi,
My father passed away in Florida with a will and my mother is the beneficiary. Unfortunately, she has advanced Alzheimer’s and cannot handle her own affairs; I have her power of attorney and also am the executor of my father’s will because of my mother’s condition. My father owned a car (no loan) and I believe the title is only in his name. How do I go about transferring the title so I can sell the car to help pay for my mother’s care? (I have the car registration, my father’s will, a letter from my mother’s physician stating her condition and my power of attorney. I do not have a copy of the car title — I believe it’s in electronic form.). Thank you for your help.
Since the title is currently electronic, you must first to print the electronic title which you can do with eTags online.
You are not required to transfer the ownership, your mother as surviving spouse can sign the title as seller. Since you have power of attorney for the beneficiary which Im assuming would be the surviving spouse recorded on the death certificate, you may sign on her behalf.
Documents required: Death certificate, will, POA, mother’s ID, and your ID (son)
I have an associate whose mother died a month ago. She has a friend as executor. I am being offered the car for loan payoff amount. They need me to pay the loan off and they will apply for title and sign over to me. What is best way to go about this the protects me and my money?
In this case, it’s probable best to reach out directly to lien holder to get a full picture of the situation and how to proceed. Right now, the lien holder has the title and they technically own the vehicle. You can ask for a bill of sale too for proof you’ve made full payment. Once you have the title you’ll have to transfer it into your name to become the new owner.
I am a Joint owner a car with an “Or” in the title with my mother in Florida. My mother passed. Can etags help me get a new title in my name?
Yes, since the title has an OR designation. You can transfer the title to yourself and register it online for car/plate.
Hello, I hope you can help. My grandmother gifted me a VW and she passed away with her name on the title. I used my bank to pay off the rest of the vehicle thinking everything was fine. Now, my bank sent me the title and asked me to get my name on it, as they are the lein holder now. My mother is the executor of the estate and she lives in Texas. I want to get this vehicle registered and plated for Florida, which is where I live. I’m not sure where to even begin.
Your mom has to title the vehicle in her name first in Texas and then sign off to you. Then you must apply for a title transfer and registration in FL as if you’re moving to fl. You can title and register online.
My mother recently passed away and my daughter has bought her car from the estate. My brother is the executor and signed the title as well as a bill of sale. I have a copy of her death certificate which also declares my brother as the informant. Does my daughter need any other forms to transfer the florida title to a title and registration here in our home state of Alabama. My mothers will went through summary administration as the estate was very small.
eTags doesn’t operate in AL, but seems like she’ll need to do an out of state title transfer since the vehicle was titled in FL and she’ll need to register in AL. Typically those transaction need a vin verification.
My mother recently passed away in Florida. Her will is in an abbreviated probate. My brother is the executor and listed as the informant on her death certificate. My daughter has purchased the car from the estate and is needing to register it in her home state of Alabama. We have the Florida title signed by my brother, a bill of sale signed by my brother and her death certificate. Is there any other form we need to present when applying for the new title and registration in Alabama?
Hello, we don’t operate in Alabama but it seems like you got it covered. Essentially you’ll be doing an out of state title transfer and registration in AL.
My best friend passed away here in Florida. and she left me the title to her car. There is no family and the title is not signed. How do I go about acquiring the car/RV?
Typically, the surviving spouse or executor would be the new owner, and eTags can help in that case. But however, since you’re a friend, we recommend you go to the DMV
My husband passed away in October of 2021. He bought 2020 Chevrolet traverse which I am still paying on. The registration is in his name only. How do I get my name on the registration since I am still paying on the SUV?
You must apply for a title transfer in your name and register in FL.
I received a car from a deceased father and the title was still in his daughter’s name when he transferred it to me. I was told his daught dud not have a will and I went to the Tax collectors office in Florida to get the tag and title and was told I needed either a paper from the father he got from court saying he had legal rights to his daughter’s car or he could get a title in his name and transfer it to me. I have contacted the father and he is not responding to me about this. How can I get what I need so I can get my tag/ title in my name ASAP, tempory tag runs out August 10 2023
It seems like you need to seek legal advice.
Hi,
I’m in Florida and my cousin had passed away leaving a car behind and his wife gave it to me to own since she didn’t want it. She had lost the title to the car and don’t know where it is(and the registration form of the car as well I believe), what can be done so the title can be under my name?
Thank you!
Hi there! Your cousin’s wife can apply for the duplicate as his informant. As long as she has the death certificate and will if applicable, she can place an order on our site. After she receives the title, she can sign it over to you. Good luck!
My mom passed away last year in Wisconsin. My dad is deceased. Three children, none of whom live in Wisconsin. My brother currently has possession of her vehicle in Illinois, but we want to transfer the title over to me in Florida. However, we cannot find the title. Most of what I’ve read on the WI and FL DMV sites pertains to transferring a title to an heir, but it assumes within the same state as the deceased. I have no idea how to request a lost title and have it transferred to me in FL.
A duplicate title must be applied for first. All heirs must apply for the duplicate title, but all 3 signatures must be on a duplicate title form. Then a transfer title order must be placed to process the transfer for the person living in FL.You must provide death certificate, and will if applicable. If letters of administration were issued, those will be required as well. eTags can help you with the title transfer and registration online for FL
My mother recently passed and her car is left to the estate, I am the executor. We likely don’t need to go to probate. I’ve read that I would need a sworn copy of the will in order to transfer title so I can sell the car (if no probate). How do I go about getting the sworn copy of the will or is there an easier way to do this? Thanks!
Good morning,I am interested in buying a car from someone.The seller has the title (from the state of ohio)but the previous owner is deceased and there is no way to get in touch with any next of kin. Is there anyway that I could get this title switched over to my name? Thanks.
If the seller was assigned the vehicle from the previous owner, then the title was already transferred. If you’re buying it, the seller just has to assign the vehicle to you and you can transfer the title into your name and get a registration/plate.
Hi my dad just passed away and had a car titled in his name with “or” and my moms name who is alive but has dementia and can’t talk. He ownes the car outright and I have the title so how can I get the title changed in my name so I can keep it and get it registered.
Hey there, you’ll need a POA from your mother to request the title. In regards to the title transfer, you can also sign as the POA as long as mileage is not recorded (on vehicles 2010 and older).
MY ex wife who was not married died of breast cancer recently. She has two children Robert who is taking care of all the arrangements and a daughter whom the car is to be given to..She left no will.
What are the steps please..We are waiting on death certificate, copy of title, thank you
The person listed as the informant on her death certificate is eligible to sign the title over to whomever they please. Once you have the title and the death certificate, please feel free to use this link to place an order for title transfer. You’ll need insurance and the daughter’s driver’ license as well.
I am looking at a car to buy from a private owner. The owner of the car bought it 2 months ago from a friend whose grandfather passed. He has the title in his name. Is there any way to find out if this is a legal title? Or if the friend forged the grandfather’s name to sell the car fast. And if I buy the car, if the title looks perfect, can they come after me and take the car away? Is there a way for me to find out if the car was legally sold? And what are my rights?
Hello,
Whoever’s name is printed on the most recently issued title is the legal owner of the vehicle.
Hi
This is slightly complicated. I live in Florida, and my friend’s dad, who lived in Illinois, passed away over 2 years ago. When he passed my friend (who also lives in Florida) sold me the car, but couldn’t actually sign over the title until getting the estate handled. It took over two years but it is now handled and he can now officially sell the car. So I need to get the car in my name, what is the best way to proceed?
Hi there! Since the estate business has been handled. The executor of the estate simply needs to sign over the title to you. Once you have the signed title, you can place an order for title transfer (with registration) here on our site. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Hi,
My aunt passed away and left my mother her car in a living trust. After paying what was left in the car from her accounts off. We tried to get the title from the dmv which was electronically they wouldn’t give us it because they needed a *copy of a will* and not a trust. It states clearly the car goes to my mother. Just need help how to get this title transfer over to her name so we can sell the car .
Hey there, eTags may be able to help with getting you a title if you can get a copy of the will and letters of administrations if applicable.
The reason why the Trust wasn’t accepted is because the vehicle is not registered under the trust, it’s registered under her personal name.
Hello there! This would be a question for a lawyer or even law enforcement. Unfortunately, eTags can’t offer any legal advice. Good luck!
I sold my vehicle to my father a few years ago and transferred to his name. He recently passed away with no will or executors. I am unable to find the title to the vehicle, only the registration and insurance. How do I go about obtaining a new title and transferring to my name in order to sell the vehicle?
Hello there, you can set up an appointment with the court and take the death certificate with you, and a document that proves you are the daughter. You’ll be given a legal document or probate will that will allow you to get the replacement title (also called a duplicate title) and transfer the vehicle to your name. You can get a duplicate title, title transfer into your name, and registration online with eTags. Before you register, you’ll need FL auto insurance too.
My father recently passed away and he didn’t leave a will. He has a car lease with Honda and the car has very little miles on it. I have his death certificate. Honda corporate says that they only need his death certificate. The local dealership is looking for a power of attorney in order to buy the car from me and give me back a credit. They are saying that I can only surrender the car to them and receive zero credit. I am trying to figure out the easiest way to unload the vehicle without losing the equity that I could be receiving.
My father passed away in August. He did not have a will. No spouse. I am his sole heir. He had a lein on the car that I paid off but the finance company released the title but I never recieved it. What do I need to register the vehicle and get the title in my name?
Hi Kayla!
You’ll need the title, insurance, driver’s license, and death certificate in order to register the vehicle. You can place an order on our site to print the title. If you do, you’ll need the lien release letter from the finance company as well. I hope this is helpful!
complicated situation here . my mothers oldfriend passed away after agreeing to sell his car to us here in Delaware … his ex wife living in florida sent over the title he had and registration and sold us the car . she NEVER transferred ownership and then she died as well . the title got lost in the process of exchanging and giving us our vehicle we purchased from them . we have a bill of sale signed by my other and the exwife , we have the registration and we have the vehicle but no title and it is still in the deceased mans name registered to Florida , delaware doesnt accept at BOS for duplicate title . what can i do to get another title and register and tag my vehicle ?? seems there is no one else to contact ive tried for months now
If the ex-wife is willing, she can apply for a new title and sign it over to you again. In fact, she’s the only one who can help in this capacity.
I am the executor and beneficiary on my brothers will in FL. I have the original car title. I have a buyer for the vehicle who also lives in Fl. Do I have to re-title the vehicle in my name or can it be sold without re-title to me first?
There is also a second vehicle which I plan on gifting to an individual who lives in PA. Can I gift this vehicle to the PA resident without re-titling to myself first?
Hi there! No need to re-title in your name. You’ll simply sign the title over with your name -executor. The same would be true for the gifted vehicle. Good luck!
No probate, no debt. Heirs are 18 and 5 from 2 different mother’s. Does the 5 year old have to go on the title? Does that mean the 5 year old’s mother has rights to that vehicle?
Hi Melissa! This is a question better suited for a lawyer. What I can say is that if there’s a will, the DMV will transfer the title to whoever is on the will, meaning both the 18-year-old and the 5-year-old. This wouldn’t mean the mother has rights to the vehicle but I would contact a lawyer to define what it means for the 5-year-old. I hope this helps!
My brother in Florida passed away Jan 6, and in his will he left me his vehicle. He lived at a veteran’s home, his car was his only asset. I live in Ohio, how do I go about transferring the title to my name. Thank you for your help.
Hi Julie,
Sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. You’ll need to get the title, a copy of the will, death certificate, and take a visit to the title bureau. If there’s an executor, they may need to sign the title over to you. It would be best to contact the title bureau in OH directly and ask before signing anything as sometimes depending on circumstances, probate is involved. Good luck!
If my husband passed away I have death certificate can I get car transfer in my name with new title??
Yes! As long as the death certificate names you as the informant and there’s no will stating the vehicle belongs to anyone else, you can take the title and transfer it to your name. If you’re looking to complete this transaction, eTags can help. Place an order in Florida for title transfer using this link! Let me know when you’ve placed the order and I can help you to complete it. I hope this helps!
My Aunt passed in Florida in Dec 2022. I am in NY and executor of her estate. The car was solely left to me. The Will has cleared probate. How do I get the Florida title in my name. Or the easiest way to transfer it to NY title in my name.
Hi there,
As long as you have the will/death certificate and any probate information along with the current title, you can transfer to yourself in New York. If the goal is to title and register the vehicle in NY, this is the fastest way. You can use our website to complete a transaction like this and avoid the DMV in NY! Place an order using this link and choose “Transfer title and registration” as the service option. If you decide to place an order, please let me know and I can personally monitor your order and provide you with any help you may need along the way! I hope this is helpful.
Complicated situation… the owner (deceased) of a motor home signed over the title to my mother (living) and brother (deceased). I have two receipts showing the transfer. It was part of a land parcel sale. The title was not found when my brother died. My mother wrote an affidavit stating its lost. What do we need to do to get a title reissued in my mother’s name?
In this case, I’d recommend taking all the documents you have to the DMV directly to see if there’s a way to proceed without the title. The receipts may help you as it was part of the land parcel sale.
My mom has moved to FL and living with me, her Vermont registered vehicle is here. But her and my dads name are listed on the registration and he passed away. Can we get the car registered in FL with all the documents that we have, ie. Death certificate etc. Also, will FL waive the registration fee for surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans who passed with a service connected illness?
Good morning Laura,
Thank you for your question. I’ve sent you an email with further details regarding how to complete this transaction and how eTags can help! Talk soon!
Hi
My mom passed away Dec 12. I am the executor on her will. She only has her car which she owns in Florida no title She has 6 kids and my father and her are legally separated over 36 years. How do I go about getting a title in my name. I live in nj
Hi Ellie! I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! The short answer is, we can help! The first step would be for you to get the Florida title. This is the part we can help with. As long as you’re the only executor and the will went through probate, you’re entitled to a copy of the title. I’ll shoot you an email explaining how! Once you have the title, you can go through the DMV in NJ to transfer it, which I’ll also provide information for via email. I hope this helps!
My mom passed away this past September. My brother and I are the heirs to her estate–which includes her car. She left a will and there will be NO probate. I live in NJ. She wanted me to have the car. How do I transfer the title and register it in NJ? Any tips greatly appreciated. Hoping I don’t have to go to Florida to do this.
Hi Evan,
Sorry to hear that your mom passed away recently. I’m happy to get you started with getting her title transferred to you. Please check your email as I sent you a few beginning steps on how to get this done! Please let me know if you have questions!
I am in a similar situation, but, with the will naming my brother and I 50/50 for vehicle. It is titled in FL, I live in WI and he in AK. He wants to relinquish his rights to the vehicle. How do I proceed. Thanks for your help.
Your brother can simply sign the title over to you and then you can take that title and transfer it to your name solely in WI.
I am needing to transfer a title out of my deceased aunt’s name into mine with a will. The form 82040 asks for Florida driver’s license #…..I am in Ohio. Don’t know what to do in that spot-it’s right at the top of the ppw where it says owner’s name. you said to put person who is taking over the title in that spot. Also, how do I go about getting the title in my name so I can then transfer the title into a person down in Florida who wants the car. We are gifting the car to her since it doesn’t run and is old. Her son likes to work on cars so it’s a win win, but I am out of my mind trying to figure this process out! Am I to go the the Title agency here in Ohio and bring them this ppw or does it need to be mailed somehwhere???
Hello! When you place an order with eTags, we pre-fill all the documents you need to complete your transfer. Once the title is in your name, you can transfer it to whomever you’d like! Use this link to place an order with eTags. After, please send me an email so I can personally assist you with your order. I hope this helps!
My aunt passed away. She lives in Florida. I live in Ohio. I am 1/2 beneficiary and executor of the estate. My mom is signing over her rights to the car. The car is old and doesn’t even run. I would like to gift this car to a lady who lives in florida. Do I need to title it in my name first then transfer or can I just transfer it straight to her?
The easiest way to do this is to title it to yourself in Ohio and then you can sign that title over to anyone you’d like. This can be completed as long as you have all the paperwork stating you’re the beneficiary. You may need a copy of the death certificate as well.
do I need an original title to be able to transfer into my name first? i have the copy. if so, how do i go about getting an original?
Do I “have to” transfer into my name first or can it go directly to the person I’m gifting it to in Florida? I have the will, and death certificate.
Hello Heidi!
You will need the original title to be able to either transfer it to yourself or sell/gift it to another person. The good news is, you won’t need to transfer the title to yourself before gifting it. eTags can help you obtain the original title as long as you have the will, death certificate, and proper identification. Get started by placing an order on our site for a replacement title. Here’s the link! I’ll shoot you an email with some more details and helpful hints to get you to your end goal.
My son who is 25 just passed away this month . Lived in Florida and brought
a motorcycle then moved back home to New Jersey in June.. Now I’m trying to go thru his paperwork but I can’t seem to find his title. I seemed to think he said his plates was it???Not sure…please help. I in the process of surrogate court paperworks
Hello,
If the motorcycle is in probate, you’ll need to wait for the court to settle before you can change any ownership. I don’t have any information on what kind of motorcycle it is however you can check the state’s site if you have the VIN.Florida VIN check
My aunt’s boyfriend died and wanted her to have his vehicle that was paid off. He signed the back of the title before he died and now she went with the vehicle to have it titled in her name in Florida. But his kids in Michigan wants the vehicle. He had no will but just verbally promised her the vehicle. Was it legal for her to title the car in her name and can the kids report the vehicle stolen and she get arrested!
Hi Tina,
We can’t provide any legal advice. However, it probably wasn’t a good idea for your aunt to go ahead and change the title. Technically, if no paperwork exists that states that the car goes to her, it actually belongs to his children. Good luck!
Hello, my brother passed and had a vehicle financed for our mothers use. He had a letter made up and notarized that the vehicle would go to her when paid in full. I have taken over the payments. Can anyone else step up and take this vehicle?
My uncle who lived in Florida died, and left his car at my parents house in Alabama. It has been here for eight years and there is no immediate next of kin. That thing has been here for eight years and I need to figure out a way to get rid of it but nobody will salvage it without a title.
Hi there,
If you don’t have the title or the ability to get it, you’re best bet would be to call the police and report it abandoned. They’ll likely tow it and sell it at an auction.
Hello. I purchases a vehicle cash with a bill of sale and was handed the title. Before i had the tag registered in my name or applied for a new one i was pulled over and the car ws towed to wrecker lot. They said the only person who can access the car or get it out is the last registered person in which just happened to out of the blue pass away!! What do i do? I dont know her family or anything and the title i did have is in the glovebox…. Help!!!
Hello! Sorry, you’re in this situation! Unfortunately, your only option will be to use the Bill of Sale to try and contact the family of the seller. The next of kin will be able to apply for a new title. After they receive it, they can sign it over to you. You should be able to use this to get your car out of the lot. Good luck!
Hello, my father passed away in Pa. There was no will, his wife opened an estate. I live in Fl. What documents do I need to transfer the car into my name here in Fl.
If the wife is the executor of the estate and she is listed on your father’s Death Certificate as the Surviving Spouse and informant, she will sign the title as the seller. To transfer the title , you will be required to provide the signed title (wife signs as seller and child signs as purchaser), your ID, proof of FL residence, and FL proof of insurance.
My mother in law passed away this month will be a year my husband sister is Supposed to be handling the probate paperwork in court but we have not heard anything regarding probate and we have heard nothing and we have her car and can do nothing with it we have had this vehicle for almost a year and would like to transfer the title over to us so that we can use it. What can we do or is there anything we can do. Please help! Rock in a hard place.
The Florida DMV requires either probate documents issued by a court stating who the beneficiary of the vehicle is or you an affidavit stating that there are no claims against the vehicle by a company or another individual/family member. We recommend that you seek legal counsel if you choose to use an affidavit and that you contact the DMV office you would visit to confirm that they would accept an affidavit. Best of luck and we hope you can resolve this soon.
I have a quick question – Trying to help a friend.
The ex-husband died unexpectedly.
He has 2 children – a 21 and a 25 year old.
There car was financed but the payoff is more than the car is worth. It is a FL car.
There is no will.
The children have the car and keys but they do Not want it as to pay it off it will cost more than the car is worth.
Can they just bring the car and keys with a copy of the death certificate to the dealer and walk away?
Our condolences for the family’s loss. We recommend you seek legal counsel so that the lease or finance agreement can be reviewed by a professional. You may also try contacting the dealer first to see what options they may provide.
My son has passed away- I am the informant on death certificate. there is no will no probate, I am next surviving relative. His father has no connect for years and no way to get a hold of him even. As informant in the state of florida can I transfer title?
Yes as the informant and mother of deceased you’re able to transfer the title.
Just go online to etags and choose Transfer title with New Plate
Documents Required:Title, death Certificate, ID/drivers license
Hey, my grandmother passed away in 2020 and left her car to my father her oldest without a will in Florida. We don’t have a copy of the title to get the car put in his name how would we go about doing that and we live in NC. Also he wants to get the car put in my name because he already has one so would it have to go to him then me or straight to me
Thanks for your question! My advice would be to contact the DMV in NC and find out what their guidelines are as far as transferring the title of a deceased person. You’ll have trouble getting the title in Florida without a will or at least being named the informant on the death certificate. I hope this helps!
Hi – my father passed away with a will and I’m an heir and the executor. My dad was in Florida and the car is registered in Florida but I live in Maryland. Do I transfer the title in Florida or Maryland? The estate is not in probate.
Here’s an answer from one of our eTags Specialists: It would probably be easier for the customer to transfer and register in Florida. In Maryland, if the person/ vehicle is flagged as deceased, then they will have to go to the DMV and can’t do it online.
In FL, with the death certificate, will and documentation that shows this person is authorized as executor, then the process is pretty straight forward. You can transfer your title in florida online with eTags
Hi – my uncle passed away in FL with no will. He had purchased a car in his name only, my aunt’s name is not on it. The car is not yet paid off. My aunt would like to re-title the car in her name and continue making payments. Is she able to do this?
Considering the vehicle is financed, you must have the lien holder make changes of ownership on the title.
Haven’t received a response.
My sister passed away with a will leaving everything to me. No spouse or children. There is debit owed against the estate. We plan on paying the debt with the sale money from the cars. We have ltrs of admn. Probate is not quite done but, lawyer says we can sell the cars. How do I handle the titles? Checks will be made out to her estate.
Typically, you would transfer the title yourself, then sell the vehicle. Usually, with these cases, the name on title death certificate and probate is requested. Also, if there is a unsatisfied lien on the vehicle, it needs to be paid off before selling.
My sister passed away. She was not married and had no children. I’m her executor and have a will leaving everything to me. She has 4 cars we would like to sell. There is debt against the estate which will be covered once the cars are sold. I have letters of admin. Do I need to transfer the titles into my name? Or can we sell them and sign the titles as executor.
Because the car has a lien, you won’t be able to obtain a Florida registration or tag in your name without going through the lien holder. If, for example, the lien is from an institution that financed the purchase of the vehicle, you could contact the lien holder to see about refinancing the loan to be in your name or both your names. Then, you can obtain a Florida registration. Alternatively, if your father has any intent to move to Florida, then the vehicle can be registered with FL tags without making changes to the lien.
I co-own a car with my grandma who has since passed. I need to take her name off the car and move the registration from Florida to New York. I have been in contact with the loan agency with the COD now I need help with the title and getting the name off solely into my own
This question involved many factors, since if you co-own and designation is an OR, you don’t need to get her name off. You can just transfer the out of state title in NY and register which you can do online with eTags. You’ll need a vin verification too since the car is coming from FL. You can contact support@etags.com with this question adding all info you have.
Good sunday. My mother and father passed. They left a mustang to me. My 3 brothers are in agreement with the transfer of title. There is no will. How can I get the vehicle transferred to my name. Thank you!
We’re sorry for your loss. You can go to etags online and click on Register Vehicle for a title transfer + registration. You must have possession of the title & a copy of both parent’s death certificate. On the application for title form 82040, all siblings must sign off their rights to the vehicle on section 13 and the individual taking title must sign section 12.
My husband passed away owing thousands of dollars on his vehicle. My name was not on his purchase agreement and we did not have a will. This is my vehicle I use to get back and forth from work. Since I paid off the rest of the balance on this vehicle and I do not desire in a community property state, will I be allowed to keep the vehicle or does it have to go through probate.
Hey there, as the surviving spouse, you are automatically granted the vehicle. Considering this vehicle was previously financed, the certificate of title will most likely be electronic, therefore, you will need to apply for the printing of the electronic title first . Once you have possession of the paper title, you will then be able to transfer the title into your name.
Aside from title, you’ll need:Death certificate and Driver’s license. Just select print e-title online with eTags to get started.
My husband passed away and I got a letter from the court saying probate is settled and everything is resolved. The lawyer said that 3 cars are allowed to be left out of probate for us to keep and sell if we like. I went in today to transfer the title in my name and the lady made me feel like a criminal. Said the car should have been in probate and then said she needed all of my paperwork showing I was named person of administration (or whatever it is called). When I called first they said I just needed death certificate and my DL. What do I need to transfer this title to my name? Or would it be easier to not transfer in my name but just transfer to buyer? I’m so confused and they were so rude, unhelpful and made me feel like I was doing something wrong.
Assuming you’re referring to the 3 vehicles that were not included in the probate, you do not need to title these in your name, you can simply sign the title as seller being that you are the surviving spouse. In order to complete the transfer, the buyer will need a copy of the death certificate indicating you as surviving spouse along with the signed certificate of title.
However, if you still insist on having this title transferred into you name then eTags will simply need a copy of the death certificate and the original titles. The order must be placed as Title transfer only here. You’ll start first by selecting Register vehicle, then you’ll have to opt of of getting a plate.
Hi, my uncle passed away without a will and is not married or have any children. Guessing my grandmother (his mom) would be the beneficiary to his belongings. His vehicle is paid off and we have decided that I will keep his vehicle. What are the proper steps and what documents would I need. We are all in Florida.
You can get a title transfer and registration online so you’re named the owner of the car, plus get a FL license plate. In terms of documents, that depends on whether it’s part of probate or not. If you choose to go through eTags, once you log in, we’ll review your request and ask you to upload certain documents like your drivers license, and proof of insurance.
I purchased a car from my cousin(2nd cousin) dealership back in 2018 buy here pay here kind of arrangement. Since he was family we did not have a set payment. I paid him what I could afford with the promise to paid off car off within 3 years. I had a balance of $2,800 left on the loan. In early 2020 (march 2020) he died of COVID. No will, not even sure if he has record of the payment. Now I need to title the car on my name. What do I do?
in this specific case, you would need to seek legal counsel.
My Bestfriend died he has no family or relatives and he asked I take care of things for him after he passed. What do I do with his car? He owned it straight out and owed nobody anything but I can’t find the title. Can I keep it?
Hello there, you can try requesting a duplicate title which is a title replacement
Hi! My nephew recently passed away without a Will. He was a resident of FL and unmarried. His mother is still alive and a resident of La. She is special needs and can not take title to his truck as this would mess up her benefits. So she would like our Dad a resident of FL to take title to the truck. Can you let me know what documents would be required to transfer the title to my Dad?
You can order a title transfer online with new plate. Basic docs required would be the original certificate of title and the death certificate and ID of both the deceased and the applicant.
My brother passed in FL; I obtained an Order of Summary for his property (which I transferred) and to his vehicle. I live out of state. I have the title, the d/c, the order of summary. How would I go about putting the title into my name? I contacted the State of Florida DMV and they said I needed to go through my state for a new title, but I want to give it to my son who is a resident of FL – how can this be accomplished
hi there, eTags online does both in-state and out-of-state title transfers with registration or not. It’s done online. Just follow the prompts, answer a few questions and upload documents needed.
Hi,
Our 93 year old aunt just passed away. She lived in Illinois but at one point did have a winter home in Jupiter, FL. Because of the Jupiter, FL home, she maintained Florida residency. After she sold the Jupiter, FL home a few years ago and moved back to Illinois, she kept a FL P.O. Box for tax reasons and to keep her Florida residency. Her car is titled in Florida, but sitting in the garage in her Illinois home. Unfortunately, she was a hoarder and we have been unable to locate the title for the car. My father is executor of her estate and has asked me to figure out how to get title to the car. There is a will and we do have copies of her death certificate. I don’t have a clue where to begin. Any ideas how we go about getting the title for her car so that we can transfer the title to either a relative or buyer?
Hello there, yes you’ll need a duplicate title also known as a title replacement. Check out Etags to order a duplicate title
just follow the prompts online!
Good morning.
Last year i gave my mother a vehicle I own. I live in Florida and still retain the car loan and she lived in Alabama. I had her title it in Alabama for insurance purposes. Well, she passed away last month…..I am her next of kin and executor, she had no will. What do I need to do to retitle the car in Florida? Thank you.
To retitle it, you’ll need the transfer the title to put in your name, and register it to get a license plate. If she never signed over the title to you, you may need a few more documents like certificate of death. You can do this all online with eTags
He said he “still retain[s] the car loan.” Sounds like he doesn’t quite “own the car,” but is making payments to a lienholder.
Doesn’t that change your advice?
Hey there, we’re having trouble locating the entire question. Can you send back with past question?
My Brother passed in November 21. He lived with Mom. Mom wants to sell his car. I have power of attorney for Mom. The title is electronic in Florida. How can I get this done?
Thank You, Jim
You’ll need a title transfer. Check out https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_quation to get started and upload documents like the title. If you don’t have the title you’;; need to order a duplicate also called title replacement. Once you register, you’ll have a dedicated title specialist to walk you thru the process.
I was at the DMV today trying to transfer my brother’s title to my mom since he died in October and the person at the desk told us we needed to have it signed off by two parents. His dad died and we don’t have the death certificate since he died before he was even born. Is this information accurate?
if the vehicle title had both parents’ signatures separated by an “AND” (NOT AN “OR”) then yes both would to sign off. But there must be a way or maybe a specific document that can replace the death certificate…but these should be discussed in more legal terms.
I am in the process of buying a car from a friend. Her brother passed away and probate is finished, the mother was awarded 100% of his stuff. He has a car that was left but the mother is in a nursing home and the friend is the mother’s power of attorney. How do we go about getting the car into my name? Can she sign the title as the power of attorney? It’s a bit complicated. Does 82040 form need filled out? Does she sign the title?
If she has POA, the friend can sign on behalf of the mother. You’ll need to transfer the title so u have ownership and register it in Fl so you can drive it not only own it. You can do this online at with eTags
I am the surviving spouse and there is no will. I do not have a copy of the title, I would like to sell it but would not like it transfered to my name, is this possible without having the lost title? Would I order a copy of the title still in the deceased name and then sign it over to the buyer with a copy of the death certificate? I am able to get on my deceased spouses dmv account online but the checkbox next to the title to order a copy won’t let me check it to order it.
Since you’re the surviving spouse, you can get online to request a duplicate title with eTags. Choose FL, then Replace Lost Title Or Print e-Title. Just submit the death certificate and marriage certificate to request the title replacement. There’s no need for transfer, just sign the title as seller and put SS (surviving spouse) next to signature.
Hi. A friend of mine passed away while he was staying at a local hotel. He has no family and no will – he is considered indigent. His vehicle is still at the hotel and it’s been over 6 months. Is there a way to transfer the title over to me?
Unfortunately, the title cannot be transferred to you because there is no legal document that states the vehicle was left to you.
Hello, my father passed away 3 years ago. The paperwork to the car and the car itself was not able to be found until now! Finally found the car yet still can’t find the title. The probate cleared and as head of estate the car now belongs to me. Can I just go down to MV with the death certificate and pick it up? When I asked the probate lawyer if I needed any papers she told
Me the MV should have all there ?
To title the vehicle to you, you’ll need the title to prove ownership. If the title isn’t in your name you’ll need a duplicate title or title replacement which you can get online here. You’ll need fl car insurance, fl driver’s license as well.
Hi, my grandma in FL passed away and her children, my parent and my aunt, have agreed to gift her car to me. I live in Maryland and would like to register and title the vehicle to drive here. Do I have to transfer title in Florida first, and then transfer again to MD? I don’t want to pay taxes on it twice.
If the vehicle is signed over (orginal title) to you and it has no liens then you can title and transfer it in MD. You can do so online with eTags.
My exhusband past away 3 months ago, he did not leave a will. He lived in FL and has two survaving children (both minors 16, 12 years old) Probate will be done in April. He finished paying off the car a little before passing, therefore title has not being issued to his name yet. Should we wait for tittle to be issue, can it be issue under minors? What should be the appropiate way to get tag and title taken care once probate time is over.
Once the probate is settled, letters of administration will be issued. The letters of administration will determine who can act as the personal rep. Personal rep must apply for the electronic title and once received, the assigned personal rep will sign the title as seller.
Hello, my father passed and I am taking over his vehicle. He was living in California although his vehicle is registered in Florida. He had also misplaced the title. Will filling out an 82101 Vehicle/ Vessel Duplicate with Transfer suffice? Then register car in California?
A Title is required for an out of state transfer to a new owner. If the owner is deceased, the title must be transferred in the state of origin to the next of kin or they must provide letters of administration or testamentary along with a title signed by the next of kin
My mother passed away earlier this month in Texas. Her will state that my sister and I are Co-executors of her will and her some heirs. My sister lives in Washington state and I live in Florida. I am taking possession of her car with clean title. We have the d certificates and should have letters of testamentary in a couple of weeks. Will I need anything else to transfer the title into my name from Texas to Florida?
Since the vehicle is coming from out of state, you’ll need to get a vin inspection and you may pay have to pay taxes too. If there’s a lien on the car, you’ll need details about the lienholder. To transfer title online and register in Florida, online visit eTags.
Hi my fiancé died in July he has no assets but an older van that he left to me but I can’t find title. What do I need to do to get a new title?
Hello there, sorry for your loss. A family member (of his), so mom or dad, or siblings) can order a duplicate title online. it’s also called a title replacement.
My dad just died. He has a car that has been sitting in the garage for 3 years. He did not have a will. My mom his wife is the surviving spouse. We have the title of the car, death certificate. How do we go about transfer of the title in order for her to sell it? We live in florida.
If she’s the surviving spouse in Florida, she doesn’t need a title transfer to herself in order to sell it…she can just sign over to buyer. The buyer will have to transfer the title into his or her name. They can do that online with eTags, as well as register the vehicle at same time. It’s a good idea to have bill of sale made just for extra protection.
My mother, a Florida resident, passed away in 2021. She was not married. There is no lien on the car. Per her Will, my brother and I inherited her car. I live in Maryland and have a MD drivers license. My brother is in Pennsylvania. He doesn’t want the car. What are the steps and required documents to get the car titled in my name in Maryland?
There are a lot of moving parts, probably best that you and brother go into the MVA in maryland with all the documents. Have him sign over rights to you, so you can title the vehicle in MD.
My mom passed away and I already have the probate completed showing that my brother and myself are the heirs of her car. None of us live in the US. Do we both need to go to the FLHSMV office to transfer the title or could just one of us go with a copy of the ID of both heirs?
Hi Johanna, our condolences on the passing of your mom. If only one of you will be going to the DMV, a Power of Attorney (PoA) form will need to be completed and signed authorizing the person who will be at the DMV to sign and act on behalf of the person who is not present. The person who goes to the DMV needs to bring the signed PoA form, their ID, a copy of the other person’s ID, the probate documents, and the current title. Alternatively, either of you may place an order on eTags.com to transfer the title. You will be asked for all the same documents except that all forms will be signed electronically via email and the current title will need to be mailed to our office for processing. Best of luck.
Thanks for the quick reply. If I want to place an order on eTags, which option do I select as the transfer type? If I select “Transfer as Inherited” there is a message stating that “at this time eTags does not provide the service”. Would I be able to select a different option? And what would be the fees for the service? Thanks again
Hi Johanna, sorry for the confusion. Most often we find that the probate process has not been completed which is why we currently do not accept inheritance related orders. Since that is not the case in your situation, you can choose the “gift” option to complete an order. Once your order is placed, you will need to upload copies of your documents including the current title that is in your mother’s name, the probate and will documents and your ID. Once our team reviews those documents, they will be able to process accordingly.
Hi again, I am completing an order and I am getting to the place where I have to cancel $99.95 will that be all the etags fees? Other than the DMV fees is there anything else I will have to pay afterwards? Thanks again!
That is correct, $99.95 is the service fee. There will be no additional fees after the DMV fees are paid.
My grandfather passed away and my grandmother has the title. She is selling the car to me and I would like to take ownership of the title in North Carolina. I went to the DMV here and they said that I needed to have something transferred in Florida first to get the title in my name. Can I have the title transferred to my name in Florida so that I can then transfer it to my name in North Carolina?
Yes, you can process the transfer in FL. The original certificate of title is required, along with an image of the death certificate, surviving spouse’s ID, Will and probate documents if applicable. You can transfer the title online with eTags
My mother has recently passed away and I am the executor of the will. I want to sell her vehicle, which has a clean title with only my mom’s (the deceased’s) name. Do I first need to transfer the title to my name or can I sell outright to the prospective buyer?
Typically, in FL, only the surviving spouse can sell outright as you say. You’d have to transfer the title first to change ownership. Bust since you have a will, it may prove otherwise. Best to seek legal help.
My grandfather passed away last year and left me as executor of his estate in his will. He had a vehicle that was only titled in his name. His surviving wife is his beneficiary. She does not drive and does not want that vehicle but it does have equity. The vehicle has an outstanding loan.
What is the process that I need to do?
Because there is an outstanding lien, the lienholder must provide guidance on what needs to be done.
My dad passed away 3 months ago in Virginia. He had 3 vehicles registered in Florida. He did not have a will. He is not married and I am the only heir. I have all the titles in my possession. The vehicles are located in Virginia. Do I have to put them in my name to sell them? If one of the vehicles is not drivable and would be parted out or sent to a junk yard would I need to also put that one in my name. What would be the steps I would need to take to do this?
It is required that you takes title of all vehicles before selling. In order to complete the transfers, it is required that you provide the original certificate of titles and a copy of the death certificate. In regards to the vehicle you are looking to junk, it is advised that you contact the junkyard for assistance
My husband just passed away over sea on Jan 6, 2022 he just bought a car with finance, the car title was only his name what should I do.
Because the vehicle has an active lien, only the finance company can make changes to the ownership. The finance company may process the transfer of tittle themselves or, they may send the paperwork to an authorized agency nearest to your residence
My Father passed away in December 2022. His vehicle was titled in Florida, but he was a resident of Alabama when he passed away. I am looking to transfer the title over to myself (I live in MN) and am not sure which state forms I need to fill out. I was thinking I should fill out FL form 82040, but when looking at it, it asks for my dad’s FL address, which he doesn’t have. Suggestions???
You’d have to get info from the MN DMV since that’s where you live, essentially it would be an out of state title transfer for you. and if you plan on driving it, you’ll need to register it in MN too
I live in Florida. A friend of mine gave me a 1984 ss monte carlo. It was sitting in driveway for 6yrs. The owner died a year ago. I have had vehicle in my yard for 2months now. How do I go about getting legal ownership on car?
if you can’t get the title from anyone who’s a beneficiary, you may be able to get a bonded title.
Hello,
My father lived in Florida and passed away. His car is titled in Florida and I am in possession of the Title. He has a Revocable Trust in place and I am listed as the Trustee. After discussing with my siblings, I would like to take ownership of the vehicle and drive it back to NY to register there. Am I able to transfer the title directly to my name or do I need to pass to Trust first and then myself. Can I do this online or do I need to do this in person in Florida. If in person, do I need to bring death certificate and copy of Trust?
Hey there, you can do a title transfer and registration (f you’ll be driving the car) online, just select NY and got thru the prompts.You’ll be signing as the buyer, and your mom, if still living, or a sibling, signs title for the deceased.
Hi, my brother passed away in FL on October 2021, he left a vehicle behind which my mom is currently trying to gain possession of. The car has been sitting at his old apartment complex and now has expired tags. My mom lives in WA. Can she do this process online and how long would it take? I’m still a bit lost.
Hi there, so yes she can transfer the title online, but eTags doesn’t operate in WA, we do in FL. it depends where the car will be driven, she’ll need a title transfer and registration
My father in law sold the car to his son and I before he passed away ….do to all the changes we had including moving out of state of Tennessee to Florida we are just now try to do the changes.. but they ask if there was another heir and there is his sister why are they asking for her signature. If the title already been signed by the seller
This is the procedure when there is no Will or probate. The state of Florida requires that all heirs sign their rights off to the vehicle.
My husband passed away and I can find titles to his vehicles. Wat should I do
Our condolences for your loss. You may place an order for Replacement title on eTags online. You will need to provide a copy of your husband’s death certificate that names you as the surviving spouse along with a copy of your ID.
As a 20 years living partner? Do I have any wrights? My boyfriend just passed and his family is ready to get his car
if the car title has you joined with an OR then either owner can take individual responsibility. If not, perhaps legal advice can help
My wife passed away 9/15/2021, without a will. I have the title for her 1998 Toyota Corolla. What is the procedure for transferring the title to my name, and what documents are necessary.
Can the process be accomplished online?
Can the registration be transferred/renewed along with the title?
Thank you
If the names listed on the title is joined by OR, then you can just sign the title over to the person buying the vehicle. without removing your deceased wife’s name. If the names listed on the title is joined by AND, then you must remove her name from the titles with a title transfer. You can submit an order to remove your husband’s name from the titles by visiting eTags online (yes you can do the paperwork online). To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your husband’s death certificate and your driver’s license. Once you complete your order, you’ll be able to communicate with an agent should you have any extra questions
My dad’s car titles were removed from his home and his friend said my dad had signed his name as seller so they were not part of the estate and he sold them. The cars were left to his family in the will. The person had no one’s permission to enter home and he never showed us the supposed signed titles that I know my dad didn’t sign. Can he do this legally, are the cars in question still part of my dad’s estate.
This sounds like you may have to get legal advice. As far as ownership of the cars, whoever name is on the title has ownership of vehicles. So if they were never signed over, then the vehicles are still under your father’s ownership.
My mom passed away Jan 2020. Without an estate. She was not married. I was responsible for end of life biz. Am I required to have the following to transfer title to my name?
• a certified copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted; or
• If the will is not being probated, a sworn copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted
If so how to get?
Our condolences for your loss. Unfortunately, you will find that some FL DMV offices or tag agencies request different documents in their efforts to avoid processing transactions where one or more of the documents is fraudulent or for which proper proceedings are incomplete. You can find the statue referencing the process for transfers to heirs or beneficiaries here It states, in part, “If the previous owner died testate (with a will), the application shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the will, if probated, and an affidavit that the estate is solvent with sufficient assets to pay all just claims or, if the will is not being probated, by a sworn copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted.” We recommend (re)confirming with the DMV you plan to complete the transfer at as to the documents they will require. Also ask if they accept digital signature, which is legal in Florida
My son’s father passed away owning a vehicle. He is the only child of his deceased father. His vehicle was in his name and his name alone and was completely paid off. Despite my son technically being next of kin the vehicle ended up in his brother’s possession. What can I do about this seeing as how my son was not given his deceased fathers vehicle or why it went to his brother when he owed me $10,000.00 in child support.
Hi there, this seems to be more of a legal question, since if the vehicle title was in the son’s name (signed over), he is the owner of the vehicle. Perhaps you can consult with a lawyer.
My father has a Vehicle titled in his name only. His wife is in a nursing home. If my father passes how am I able to sell his vehicle? This is in the state of Florida. Or would it be better for him to put me on the title beforehand?
Your father can transfer the title to you by gifting it to you. Check out this “4 Steps To Gifting A Car” article for step by step guide to do that, then check out eTags titling services online
My mother passed away recently. Her will names my 2 brothers and I as beneficiaries and her assets are split equally between us. She owned a car that is titled in TN. … I live in FL. My brothers have no issue with me taking the car and I have the title in my possession. The car has been sitting in TN at my brother’s house and now has expired tags. The woman I spoke to at the DMV in TN told me since I would be registering the car in FL, I would just need to bring her my mother’s death certificate and car title. She told me they would issue me temporary tags and then have me sign the title and basically have the title transferred to me. Once that’s done, would I just need to have the title and registration transferred from TN to FL as I normally would?
Correct. Once you have the Tennessee title issued in your name, you can transfer the title and registration to Florida. You will need a completed VIN verification form, the title, your ID, and Florida insurance. You can visit eTags online to place an order to transfer and register the vehicle in Florida.
I was sold a car, but the registered owner died years ago. My friends family member was working on the vehicle. We have the death certificate of the registered owner, but how can we go about attempting to find out if she had a living will or is she still has family around? The title was given to my friends family member but there’s no signature on it. And I have yet to see the death certificate. They ordered it for me.
Only the family members of the deceased can act as sellers or obtain a certificate of title. This is a chart showing the proper order of kinship when applying for a title for a person who is deceased. If there is no Will, the next of kin must apply for a title in their name before it can be transferred to the purchaser’s name. If there is a probated Will, the Person of Rep. will act as the seller.
My father passed away. The vehicle title is under his name. The vehicle we are trying to sell. Can his wife (my mom) signed the title over to the buyer ?
Thanks
Thank you for contacting us. If his wife is listed on the title as a co-owner, then she can sign the title as a seller. If, however, your father is the only one listed on the title as a registered owner, but his wife is listed on his Death Certificate as a Surviving Spouse/Informant, then she will have to print and sign the title as the seller with the words Informant/Surviving Spouse in parenthesis.
My father passed away this past July. My brother (S) is the executor on his estate. On the will, the beneficiaries are myself and 2 brothers (S and T) to divide remaining assets equally. My father has a vehicle, in my father’s name. How do we transfer the title to just one of us (myself) since my 2 brothers didn’t want the vehicle? I have tried a few times but have been told I need other signed documents from my brothers. I brought the will, the death certificate, documents – form 82053, each one filled out and signed by each brother, S & T. with copies of their driver’s licenses. One DMV office said I needed these 2 documents notarized. Then I was given form 82040 to have both brothers fill out and sign. One brother lives 1800 miles away, the other 140 miles away. What else do I need to get the title changed to my name. I’m in possession of the vehicle now, just need it put in my name. the first DMV office just told me that we needed the will since my brother had forgot to bring it with the first time. What is the fastest and easiest way to get title in my name? thank you
Our condolences for your loss. Unfortunately, you will find that some FL DMV offices or tag agencies request different documents in their efforts to avoid processing transactions where one or more of the documents is fraudulent or for which proper proceedings are incomplete. You can find the statue referencing the process for transfers to heirs or beneficiaries here. It states, in part, “If the previous owner died testate (with a will), the application shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the will, if probated, and an affidavit that the estate is solvent with sufficient assets to pay all just claims or, if the will is not being probated, by a sworn copy of the will and an affidavit that the estate is not indebted.” We recommend (re)confirming with the DMV you plan to complete the transfer at as to the documents they will require. Also ask if they accept digital signature, which is legal in Florida, to allow you to obtain signatures from your brothers electronically. Best of luck and we hope you can resolve this soon.
My father passed away and I’m sole heir on his will. His girlfriend said that he signed the car title to her however, the title is in his name. Does tbe car belong to her? I have not seen the title.
if she has the physical title signed to her, then it would be her car. You’d have to see the title to check if he did sign it over to her. if there’s a will, maybe legal advice would help.
My father just passed away last month and left his 2 vehicles to his wife(my mother) I have the title to 1 car and it was just in her name the other car she thinks was in both names but I don’t have the title to that one. How can I find out if she is in that title?
If the vehicle is jointly owned by your father and your mother, your father’s death certificate would list your mother as his surviving spouse. By providing a copy of the death certificate and her ID, she would be able to obtain a replacement title. Your mother can place an order online to request a Florida replacement title on eTags online
My father just paid off my late mother’s car loan. The lienholder stated my father will receive the vehicle title in a week or so, but the title will have my mother’s name only. What exact documents does my father need to transfer the title of the vehicle from my deceased mother’s name to my father’s name?? My mother died with NO Will. Our local DMV office advised my father he needs 2 affidavits, is this true???
A title transfer is needed for the ownership of vehicle to be given to your father. Should he want to drive the vehicle, he’ll need to register it too in the state of FL. You can transfer the title online with etags, and just follow the prompts. You’ll need an affidavit that the estate is not indebted; and an affidavit that the surviving spouse, your father, and the heirs, if any, have agreed on how the estate assets will be divided.
How to I obtain the title of the vehicle that I drive that is in my deceased husbands name in the state of Florida. I am ready to trade in the vehicle and am told that I need to transfer the title to my name fist but don’t even have the title.
If you’re asked for the title and don’t have it you can apply online for a duplicate title also called a title replacement. Just select Florida and Replace Lost Title to get started.
Hi there!
My father passed last year 12/08/20 and he left me a Will staying all his vehicles are left to me and my mother but one of those vehicles is not paid in full , has a balance of 30,000K but he passed away been married to another woman that is not my mother. What do I need to do to transfer that vehicle to my name ? I want to take over payments but the bank is giving me a very hard time because he had a wife but left it to me? Can you help me to understand what I need to do please ?
Our condolences for your loss.
You will need to complete the probate process in court. Typically, spouses are considered first when determining to whom the assets of a deceased partner should go to. Since you have a will, going through the court process could eventually result in you being provided full and unencumbered rights to the vehicles. We also recommend seeking legal council particularly as it relates to assuring the loan on the vehicle doesn’t end up in default, allowing the bank to reposes the vehicle but also to review your rights compared to your father’s widow. Once you have the court documents granting you full rights to the vehicle(s), you can transfer the titles and registrations to your name. You may do so online with eTags.
My father recently passe and my brother and I are sole heirs. He had a will . He has a car that is financed and I would like to pay it off and keep it. How do I go about doing that? The car loan is the only liability. My brother and I split remaining assets because we were both beneficiaries on his bank account.
You would pay off the loan which is probably with a bank or other type of financial organization, they would give you a lien release then just follow the steps listed on this blog (with a will). Once paid off, you can transfer ownership form your dad to you or you and your brother if you want a joint title. Etags can do this online To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your driver’s license, your father’s death certificate, the will naming you as the sole heir, and proof of Florida liability insurance.
My son is a minor and only child of his father and his father passed away in August. I was told that according to Florida law, his father’s vehicle goes to him. We have the vehicle but cannot find a copy of the title. There is no will. Our plan is to sell the vehicle and put the money received into an account for my son. What do I need to do to get the title and everything in line to sell the vehicle.
Hi there, in order to get the lost title, you can apply online for a duplicate title (also called a title replacement) then you can use that paperwork to sell your vehicle… at which you can transfer the title and sign it over tom your buyer. You can go to etags online, select FL and Replace your lost title to get started.
My father passed away on 12/16/2018. His residence was in NJ and he was widowed. I am an only child and sole heir in his will. I just was able to get his car from NJ to FL and have the title in my possession. What do I need to do to transfer the title to myself and register in FL without paying any taxes on the value of the car?
You can complete a title transfer and register the vehicle in your name by visiting us online here
To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your driver’s license, your father’s death certificate, the will naming you as the sole heir, and proof of Florida liability insurance
My brother passed away oct 17th, he left behind a car. he was not married. he did not leave behind a will. so i’m assuming the estate would be my mom. we live in washington and he died in florida. what do we need to do to get the car transferred to my moms name ? she wants to go down to FL and drive it to Washington.
Sorry for your loss. eTags doesn’t operate in Washington but you can check out a local DMV website. Essentially its a title transfer, an out-of-state title to be more precise since the car is going to Washington. She’ll need the original title as well as other docs to prove he’s passed away like a death certificate. If she doesn’t have the original title, she’ll have to order a duplicate title first. Some states have different regulations, that’s why it’s best to contact Washington dmv.Also, she may need a temporary registration to drive it back to WA
My father passed away and I’ve been taking care of everything for him, I have his car and he gave it to me before he passed but I can’t seem to find his title. I have his ID and Death certificate and social security card. What would I need to do to get another copy of his title?
Hello there, you can apply for a duplicate title here, it’s also called a title replacement. You’ll need that new title in case you want to sell the car, and apply for a title transfer (of ownership). Just select FL to get started if that’s where you are.
My brother passed away and I am the personal rep to his estate. I want to sell his 2019 Ram truck.
Do I transfer the title to me and then sell and transfer to new owner, or transfer to the new owner when we find a buyer for it?
Also, I live in NY and the truck is registered in Florida.
Any advice / direction would be helpful.
Thank you,
AR
You do not need to transfer the title in your name first. As the personal representative of your brother’s estate, you can sign the title over to the new owner. You would just have to complete a title transfer to the new buyer. If they live in FL or NY, you can go to https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question to complete your order
My brother passed away in NM and left a will naming me as beneficiary. He had a vehicle that I now have the title to and would like to transfer it in my name. What documents do I need in order to put the vehicle in my name. I have printed off the Application for Certificate of title with/without registration. What else would I need beside the death certificate? Would a copy of the Will also be needed or do I need a certificated copy?
Thank you for your inquiry, if your brother does not have a surviving spouse and you are listed as the only beneficiary all you would need to transfer the title is the a scanned copy of the death certificate, will, and the original title. You can go to etags online select FL and title transfer to complete your order.
Hi,
I’m in Florida and my husband recently passed away. We own 3 vehicles and we are both named on each of the titles. I would like keep one of the vehicles, sell one to someone, and give one to my granddaughter. Before I can do that, do I have to remove my deceased husband’s name from the title first?
If the names listed on the title is joined by OR, then you can just sign the title over to the person buying the vehicle, as well as your granddaughter, without removing your deceased husband’s name. If the names listed on the title is joined by AND, then you must remove his name from the titles. You can submit an order to remove your husband’s name from the titles by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question select FL, and title transfer.
To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your husband’s death certificate and your driver’s license.
If you don’t have the titles at all, you’ll have to order duplicate titles first before going thru the transfer
My Brother passed away. He was a Florida resident and in his will he left his car to our nephew in Rhode Island. The probate process has been completed. What do we need to do to tranfser the car to him?
Since your nephew is in Rhode Island, the title transfer has to follow RI rules. eTags doesn’t operate in RI, but you can check with their DMV here Every state has different rules and requirements, such as emissions inspections and more. You can also contact them by phone which you’ll see on the site. Hope this helps!
Hello, my father passed away September, 27 2021. There was no will, no benefactor, no executor. There is only my brother and myself. He did by mouth leave some things to my brother and some things to me. One of those things is a 2007 ford f150 truck. I recently got a certified death certificate and the title. What else do I need to have to transfer the title to my name?
Hello, thank you for contacting us. If you are listed on the Death Certificate as an informant, you will be able to transfer the title to you. Please visit etags online here
and select the service type ‘Transfer Your Title’. Once the order has been summited, and you have summited the payment of the eTags service fee, you will be sent an email to complete the application, and upload an image of your ID, title (front & back), proof of residency for the requested shipping address, and proof of Florida insurance for the vehicle. Please also upload an image of the Death Certificate. Once those documents have been submitted, we will provide instructions on how to complete the front of the title, and request any additional documents, if needed.
My mother passed away recently. She is a Wisconsin resident but had a second home in Florida. She also had a car in Florida but it is registered in Wisconsin. I want to sell the car in Florida as opposed to driving it back to Wisconsin. I have the title (which is currently in her name) and the proper paperwork from Wisconsin to sell the car as an heir (Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner or Heir form MV2300). Is there anything special I need to know or do in Florida to sell the car in Florida?
To sell the vehicle as a heir, you must be able to answer no to the following questions: (1) Is there a surviving spouse?; (2) Is there a will probated?; and (3) Is there any other siblings? If you can answer no to those questions, then you can sign over the original title to the buyer. You must also provide the buyer with a copy of your mother’s death certificate.
My father passed away 3 years ago and my mother moved from Florida to Ohio. The title of the car is still in his name and we want to switch it to hers so she can register in Ohio. She sold the house already and I swear it was easier than switching the car to her name. Since she is the surviving spouse what does she need to do to switch the car to her name? Thank you for your time.
As a surviving spouse, your mother can submit an order to transfer the title in her name by visiting etags title transfer here To begin the reviewing process, we’ll require an image of the original title, your mother’s driver license and your father’s death certificate.
Step 2:After your mother receives the Florida title in her name, she can submit an order to transfer the title and register the vehicle in Ohio by visiting this link
Hello. My dad passed and my mother is sole beneficiary. She has the will but the vehicle still is not fully paid for. Can she still transfer the title if it is in the possession of the lien holder?
Since the vehicle has an existing lien, you must contact the lienholder to add or remove a name on the title.
Hello, My mother passed away and she had a home in Florida as well as in NY. My brother is the executor for the estate. The home in Florida is already in my name and the NY home in my brothers. There is a car with the Florida home that is titled with FL plates/registration, there is a will but it will does not specify the vehicles separately, but one each went with the home(s). Do I need to have the executor sign over the vehicle to me in order to register and change title to my name in addition to the death certificate?
As the executor for the estate, your brother can sign the title of the vehicle over to you. You can submit an order to transfer the title and register the vehicle by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the title, your driver’s license, proof of Florida liability insurance and the will.
My partner of 13 years had passed. The only assist was his car. There was no living will. He had signed it over to me a month before he passed. His father said it was mine and it was ok. His do I get this done? I am in Florida.
Since the title was signed over to you before he passed, you can submit an order to transfer the ownership (title transfer) of the vehicle by visiting etags website here To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your driver’s license, your partner’s death certificate and proof of Florida liability on that vehicle.
Hello
My mother passed away in Florida 6 months ago. I am unable to locate the title of the car. I am the beneficiary in her will. I reside in SC. What steps do I need to take to obtain the title of the car? Thank you
As a beneficiary on your mother’s will, you can submit an order for a duplicate title by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question
Before the title can be shipped, we will require and image of your driver license, your mother’s death certificate and her will.
Hello. My unmarried mother-in-law passed away 3 yrs ago and was a Florida resident. Her only child, my husband, brought the car to Connecticut. He never transferred title and passed away last month. We have 3 children together, the oldest is 16. Can the title be transferred to me or my 16 yr old son? Thank you
Hi Angela, our condolences for the loss of your husband. If the vehicle is still titled in your deceased mother-in-laws name, the vehicle would have to go through the probate process and courts would determine who the beneficiary will be. We recommend contacting an attorney on how you could initiate that probate process and provide documentation regarding the vehicle’s ownership and use since your mother-in-laws passing. Best of luck.
I live in Florida. My neighbors, both husband and wife, passed away. Their 1986 Chrysler was stored at the next door neighbor for several years with a Maryland title. There was no Will and there is a son in Indiana. He has the title and wants to gift the car to me. Can there be a title transfer without him having the expense of putting the title in his name?
Your neighbors’ son must first transfer the title to his name and so must pay the transfer fees. However, if the title was not already signed by his parents in the seller’s section on the back of the title prior to their death, he will not be able to complete the transfer of title to his name without proving that he is the beneficiary of the vehicle. In most cases, he would need to provide probate documents which can take months to obtain from a court. If he does happen to have the title signed by his parents or if/once he has probate documents, he can then transfer the title to his name. He can do so online with eTags to avoid having to make a trip from Indiana to Maryland. Once he has the title in his name, he would complete and sign the back of the title in the seller section and then he can mail the title to you. You would complete and sign the buyer section on the back. You may also complete the title transfer as well as application for registration/plates with eTags.
My mother quit claim deed me her property with a mobile home listed also a couple years ago the mobile home is listed on the deed. She has since past away. How do I go about getting the title transferred in my name?
To transfer the title in your name, please visit https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title and your driver’s license or passport, and the quit claim deed.
My fiance just passed away. I am her beneficiary in her will. Her vehicle is registered in Florida and i need to transfer the title into my name in New York so I can register it in New York. The title is nowhere to be found.
You would first need to get a title replacement in florida since you don’t have the title which you can do online at
https://www.etags.com/app/fl?utm_source=blog_question
Then a title transfer + registration to ny at https://www.etags.com/app/us?utm_source=blog_question
Boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend recently passed away in Florida. Only relative is a sister in another state. Sister won’t get involved. They apparently did not get along. It’s falling on my ex boyfriend to handle everything including the car. Is it possible for us to get the title transferred to his name if the surviving sister won’t get involved?
If your boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend did not have a will, and she also do not have any descendants, then her sister would be considered the next heir of the estate. Therefore, the ex-girlfriend’s sister must sign the title over to your boyfriend so he can complete a title transfer in his name. For a title transfer online, you can go to https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
I am trustee for my recently deceased aunt’s estate in FL, and I want to sell her car. Do I need to transfer ownership of the vehicle to myself, the trust, or am I able to sell the car as trustee?
As the trustee, you do not need to transfer the ownership of the vehicle to yourself or the trust. You can sell the vehicle and sign your name as the seller on the title. The buyer can complete a transfer of ownership by visiting etags here
Hi, my dad recently passed in Florida with no will. I am his only heir. He has a 5th wheel RV I can not locate the title for or if their is a loan on it. How do I find this information to get the title in my name or buy out/re-finance the loan?
Hi there, you’ll have to first get a duplicate title also known as a title replacement before even transferring title to yourself (since you can’t find it). Don’t forget to place your dad’s name since he still holds ownership. You can have the duplicate title sent to your address. Then you’ll need a title transfer to sign it over to yourself, and a registration if you want to drive the RV. As far as the loan, if there’s a lien on it, the ownership is technically still the lender’s. For title replacement go here: https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question
My uncle passed away he has no will my aunt is on the title of his truck and wants to gift me the truck I live in Florida where he was and she lives in Indiana they were separated she she able to gift me the truck with out probate
Both parents are deceased. There is no will or probate. How do I as their next of kin and poa receive a copy of the title.
Under Florida probate laws, no-Will estates follow the rules of “intestate succession”, passing the deceased’s property to their heirs (sometimes called next of kin). Therefore, if she is the only child, then she can get the title by visiting
https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question If she is not the only child, then all of the siblings would need sign the application for the title. To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the decedents’ death certificate and her driver license.
The deceased is a resident of Florida and passed with a will that has been filed in the county of residence. His wife was the sole / primary heir on the will, but her name was not on the title. She has now moved to NC and needs to sell the car but has not been able to get the title because the loan, which she paid off, was in the deceased name. There is also a trust, but the car was not in the trust. The wife is the sole trustee now that her husband passed. Is there a way to get the title either in his name or hers, so she can sell the car? Since she’s no longer in FLA going to DMV is not an option and she does not want to wait for snail mail or issues with the documentation. We have the will, trust, death cert & marriage cert. Please advise. Thank you!
As the primary heir on the will, it is possible for the wife to get the title in her husband’s name. The wife can submit an order for a title replacement by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the wife’s driver license or passport, the will and the decedent’s death certificate.
My Dad passed away. He has a car in Florida titled in his name. My Mom has the clear title, Marriage certificate and her name is on the death certificate. Can she now proceed with the sale of
this car.
Yes, if she appears on the death certificate, she will be able to sell the vehicle. She must sign the title as the seller and mark that she is the SS (surviving spouse) on the the title. She will need to provide the buyer with a copy of the death certificate and a copy of her drivers license.
The deceased is a resident of Florida and passed with a will that has been filed in the county of residence. The estate is very small and the 3 beneficiaries under the will (her children) would like to avoid probate, if possible. The vehicle is titled in Florida and owned by the deceased and another person that is not a resident of Florida (OR, not AND). Can the beneficiaries use form 82040 to transfer the deceased interest in the vehicle one of the beneficiaries?
The Florida DMV requires the probate process to be completed before the title can be transferred. If the beneficiaries happen to reside in another state, you may check the requirements of the DMV in that state to see if the transfer can be completed prior to the probate processing being completed.
My mother passed away in Illinois, February, 2021. She had a Will and a Trust of which my brother and I are the Trustees and the Beneficiaries…. I went to the DMV to put the car in my name and get the title changed, but the agent there said that since she had a Trust, the car title needed to be put in the name of the ‘Trust’, then I could have the title changed from the Trust to me…??
Is this true? I need to transfer the title to the Trust, wait for all that to complete, then spend the money again to transfer the title to me from the Trust? Do I start with Illinois DMV to transfer it to the Trust, then Florida to transfer from the Trust to me? Thank you.
Hi, the information you received is accurate. You will be required to transfer the title to the name of the trust. Once you have the title in the name of the trust, you can then do a title transfer to you, your brother, or whomever else is listed as a beneficiary. Should you wish to process either transfer online, you can do so with eTags here.
both of my parents have passed away. the registration on the car had expired. the car has been sitting in their garage for 3 years now. we just sold their house so we need to move the car off their property. i am the daughter and live out of state. we wanted to give the car to a family friend. do i need to wait for the letter of administration so we can sign the title over to our friend? that is how it works in my state of maryland. what is the process to do this?
Our condolences on your loses. The process depends on where your friend plans to register the car. Some states require that the title be in the beneficiary’s name which means you would have to transfer the title to yourself first. Other states may allow you to sign the title currently in your parents name and provide that to your friend which Maryland and Florida allow. Your friend may place an order to either transfer the title and register the car in her name in Maryland or Florida by visiting eTags.com.
My Husband passed away in May of this year. Both vehicles are registered in his name. I just paid off the remaining balance on both cars loans this past month. I want to sell both cars. I reside in Florida.
Am I, the surviving spouse, allowed to sell both cars to a dealership without physically having a title? I have the death certificate, marriage license, registrations for both vehicles, social security cards, driver licenses, etc etc..please help advise.
A physical title is required to sell both vehicles to a dealership. As a surviving spouse, you can submit a request for the titles by visiting etags.com. To print the titles, we require an image of the death certificate, marriage license and your driver license or passport.
Hi Lisa, Our condolences for your loss. Many dealerships have processes to obtain the title if a vehicle is sold to them or traded in. Many dealerships have their own DMV license whereby they can obtain the title or they may contract a company like eTags to get the title. Should the dealership you plan to transact with require that you provide the titles, you can place an order online with us and get the titles in just a few days. You may also refer the dealership to request the titles with eTags and, as long as they have all of the necessary paper work (copy of the death certificate, your ID and your husband’s, signed Power of Attorney, and possibly other documents dependent on the situation), they titles can be mailed directly to them. We hope this helps and best of luck.
Hello,
My father passed away with no will. The car is payed for and we have the paper title. My mom, his wife, is named on the death certificate. Can the title be transferred to her via the internet or do we have to go to the dmv? I tried to do it on here but it said I couldn’t which seemed odd.
Thank you
You can submit an order to transfer the title in your mother’s name by visiting
https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question When selecting the the type of title transfer you need to complete, please select the option for Transfer as Gift. To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your father’s death certificate, your mother’s driver license or passport, and proof of Florida insurance if you want to register the vehicle in her name.
My mother passed away without a will. She gave me the title to her car along with all her other important documents before she was hauled off by the ambulance. I still have the title in my possession but nothing was ever signed. How do I go about selling it/junking it (very old van taking up space in the driveway) in Florida?
Our condolences for your loss. If you junk or donate it, you can take it to or have the car picked up by the organization. We recommend both parties signing a bill of sale. The company/organization will take care of transferring the title. If you choose to sell it, you’ll need to first transfer the title to your name. To do so, you will either need probate documents issued by a court stating that you are the sole beneficiary of the vehicle or you would need to submit an affidavit stating that there are no claims against the vehicle by a company or another individual/family member. We recommend that you seek legal counsel and that you contact the DMV office you would visit to complete the transfer to confirm all of the required documents, information, and fees. Best of luck and we hope you can resolve this soon.
My stepdad passed away and my mother doesn’t drive. She wants to gift the vehicle which is in his name but she is his beneficiary, to my daughter ( this is all in florida) the vehicle is free and clear what do I do?
If there’s a probate document naming your mother as the beneficiary of the vehicle, then she can sign the original title as a seller over to your daughter as a purchaser. You can submit an order to complete a title transfer and registration in your daughter’s name by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question To begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your daughter’s driver license and proof of Florida insurance.
If your mother does not have the original title, then you can submit an order for a duplicate title by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/replacement?utm_source=blog_question to print the title, we’ll require an image of your mother’s driver license, your stepdad’s death certificate.
Hello,
I’m in Texas and my uncle passed away without leaving a will in Florida. The car has been paid off. My mother wants to have the title transferred to her. She also cannot find the title. She has not begun the probate process. Can she transfer the car without going through the probate process? If so, what documents would she need once she purchases the replacement title?
The title can be issued to the spouse or beneficiary named on the death certificate without the need for any probate or other legal documents. If the title needs to be issued to anyone other than those named on the death certificate, proper legal documents (like probate documents) will be required. A person named on the death certificate or one named in probate documents, can place an order for the title on eTags’ website here.
Hi
I’m in Arizona and my MOM recently passed without a will in Florida. Her car is free and clear. no leans
I need to transfer her car title. I see I need an affidavit to be done to accompany the 8240 . Is that something i can have done here in Arizona and have notarized? do I the mail it in to you or can I scan it?
I’m ultimately going to transfer the car to my mothers boyfriend
If your mother was not married and you are listed as an informant on her death certificate, then a transfer of ownership can be completed by visiting https://www.etags.com/app/fl/title/transfer?utm_source=blog_question
o begin the reviewing process, we require an image of the original title, your mother’s death certificate, your mother’s boyfriend’s driver license or passport, and proof of Florida auto insurance.
Hi,
My dad passed away in Florida, with no will. Myself and my 4 siblings all live in California. His only property was his car, which is in his name only, so we don’t need to open probate (per law advice) So far his girlfriend is not providing us with any documents, so we don’t have his registration/title etc etc. How would we go about changing the name on his title so that we could transport it from Florida to California?
Hi Leigh,
You’ll need the death certificate that shows you or your siblings as informant. Once you have that, you can apply on our site for the duplicate. If his girlfriend already has the title, it’d be easer to get it from her and register the vehicle in CA. We can also help with that.