Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be even more difficult to deal with the legal and financial responsibilities that come with their passing. One of these responsibilities may be selling the deceased person’s car. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of selling a car when the owner dies, including the steps he’ll need to take and the documents he’ll need to provide.
Step 1: Locate the Title and Registration

The first step in selling a car after the owner is deceased is locating the vehicle’s title and registration. The title is a legal document that proves ownership of the car, and the registration is a document that shows that the car is currently registered with the state. Both documents will be needed to sell the car.

If the deceased person kept his important documents in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or fireproof safe, he may be able to find the title and registration there. If not, you will need to check with the probate court or the executor of the deceased person’s estate to see if they have the documents.
Step 2: Notify the DMV

Once you have the title and registration, the next step is to notify the DMV of the owner’s death. This can usually be done by completing a “Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability” form, which can be found on the DMV website. This form must be signed by the executor of the estate or the person who has been designated as administrator of the deceased person’s estate.
Step 3: Sell the car

Once the title and registration have been located and the DMV notified, you can sell the car. The easiest way to do this is to sell the car to a dealer or to an individual. If you choose to sell the car to a dealer, they will take care of all the paperwork for you. If you choose to sell the car to a private party, you will need to provide them with the title and registration, as well as a bill of sale.
Step 4: Transfer title

The last step in selling a car after the owner is deceased is to transfer the title to the new owner. This can usually be done by completing a “Transfer of Ownership” form, which can be found on the DMV website. The form must be signed by the executor of the estate or the person who has been designated as administrator of the deceased person‘s estate.

Related Posts

• what's the process of car recycling in brisbane
• What to do if the vehicle title owner is deceased: what to look for
• Can I sell my car without a title? Tips and tricks to ensure the best deal
• Do I need to have the title or ownership documents for the vehicle? – All secrets
• Selling a car to a relative: a step-by-step process