If a beloved family member has just passed away and left a vehicle behind, you may be wondering what the next step is. At eTags, we know that DMV paperwork is the last thing on your mind during this difficult time, so we’re going to walk you through a few helpful tips.
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What to Do with a Vehicle After a Loved One Passes in New York
Get a Registration Fee Refund.
The first thing to consider is the license plate. In New York, it is possible to apply for a refund on any registration fees that have been paid. Requesting the refund of registration fees must be done directly with the NY DMV. Here’s what you need to do:
- Bring the vehicle plates to a DMV office and ask for a “Transfer Receipt.”
- Complete and sign a Request for Refund (MV-215). You will need to write “Deceased” as the reason for the request.
- Make a photocopy of the death certificate.
- Gather the transfer receipt, the completed form, and the death certificate copy and mail them to:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Refund Section
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 230
Albany, NY 12228-0126
Transfer Ownership of the Vehicle to the Surviving Spouse
If you are the surviving spouse of the deceased vehicle owner, you can transfer ownership of a vehicle valued at less than $25,000 to your name by following these steps:
- Complete and sign a Vehicle Registration Title Application (Form MV-82).
- Provide proof of legal name and date of birth. For a full list of acceptable forms of proof, check here.
- Have the deceased’s original vehicle certificate of title ready.
- Organize your lien paperwork. If the loan has been satisfied, you will need to supply the lien release letter on company letterhead from the lienholder stating that all money has been paid in full. Otherwise, the lien (any outstanding payments owed) will transfer to the new legal owner of the vehicle.
- Fill and sign Form MV-349.1 Please note that this form must be signed in the presence of a notary public!
- Make a copy of the death certificate.
- Complete and sign tax exemption Form DTF-802
- Have a form of payment ready to cover all fees.
Once you have completed all of these actions, gather the documents and head over to a local DMV branch to transfer vehicle ownership.
What to Do if You are Not the Surviving Spouse
For any other circumstances surrounding the passing of a loved one and how to proceed with transferring ownership of a vehicle left behind, please refer to the NY DMV’s dedicated page. Here, you will find answers to many of the questions asked in other situations.
Transfer Your Vehicle Title Online with eTags
Alternatively, if you’d rather avoid offices, lines, and waits, eTags.com can help facilitate your transfer from the convenience of any internet-enabled device. Our user-friendly platform allows you to title and register your inherited vehicle online in no time.
Visit our Homepage, select New York as your state from our pop-up menu, choose Transfer Title and Registration, and let us guide you from there. Of course, if at any time during this process you find you need some assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our title and tag experts are happy to lend a hand. Because as always at eTags, we’re here to help!
