Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be even more difficult to navigate 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 will walk you through the process of selling a car when the owner has passed away, including the steps you need to take and the documents you will need to provide.
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Step 1: Locate the Title and Registration
The first step in selling a car when the owner has passed away is to locate the title and registration for the vehicle. 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 of these documents will be needed in order to sell the car.
If the deceased person kept their important documents in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe, you 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 passing. This can typically be done by completing a “Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability” form, which can be found on the DMV website. This form will need to be signed by the executor of the estate or the person who has been appointed as the administrator of the deceased person's assets.
Step 3: Sell the Car
Once the title and registration have been located and the DMV has been notified, you can then sell the car. The easiest way to do this is to sell the car to a dealership or to a private party. If you choose to sell the car to a dealership, they will handle all of 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 the Title
The final step in selling a car when the owner has passed away is to transfer the title to the new owner. This can typically be done by completing a “Transfer of Ownership” form, which can be found on the DMV website. The form will need to be signed by the executor of the estate or the person who has been appointed as the administrator of the deceased person's assets.