{"id":15357,"date":"2021-01-15T14:30:30","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T14:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?p=15357"},"modified":"2026-01-14T15:52:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T15:52:50","slug":"how-to-transfer-the-car-title-of-a-deceased-person-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/how-to-transfer-the-car-title-of-a-deceased-person-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transfer a Vehicle Title Of a Deceased Person in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

It is our aim with this post to ease the seeming banality of having to transfer ownership of a vehicle from a deceased person.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 How it can free up time for things that feel important, necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you happen to be the executor of the will, or the relative in charge of taking care of \u201cthings,\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selling? Gifting?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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\u2019s vehicle,\u00a0 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\u2019ll have to first transfer the title.<\/p>\r\n

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\u2019s distribution, the transfer is simple.<\/p>\r\n

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Probate Court, the Will, and a Florida Vehicle Title Transfer<\/strong><\/span>
The transfer of a motor vehicle after death in Florida is governed by Section 319.28<\/a> 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).<\/a> If the deceased person left a will, a copy of the will must accompany the title transfer in FL application.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s important to know that a vehicle title can\u2019t be transferred in Florida until the probate is completed<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\u2019s assets and property. A car title can\u2019t be transferred until the probate is completed. Probate may only be avoided if the estate is\u00a0not\u00a0indebted. If the deceased person had any debts, the creditor claims must first be resolved.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Title Transfer of a Vehicle without a Will<\/span><\/strong>
If the deceased person did not leave behind a Last Will and Testament, you\u2019ll 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<\/em> you need, you’re on the right path.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

So, here’s what you need to gather:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n