MOTOR VEHICLES –
TRANSFER OF DE
If a decedent dies with no probate assets (i.e., owns nothing in their name alone) except for one or more motor vehicles whose total value is not more than $60,000, title to the vehicles can be transferred by the Secretary of State without opening an estate in the Probate Court.
Note: This entire
procedure is done at a Secretary of State office – not the Probate Court.
Secretary of State Form Used: TR-29, Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle
Attach the vehicle title (if available) to the form.
A certified copy of the death certificate for the owner of the vehicle must also be presented.
Title to the motor vehicle(s) will be given according to the following priority:
- Surviving spouse.
- Surviving descendants (i.e., children and/or grandchildren).
- Surviving parents.
- Surviving grandparents or descendants of predeceased grandparents.
Rev. 1\08