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 brothers and sisters and\or descendants of predeceased brothers and sisters.

-          Surviving parents.

-          Surviving grandparents or descendants of predeceased grandparents. 

 

Rev. 4\14