Transferring a Vehicle Upon Death of a Family Member

Transferring a Vehicle Upon Death of a Family Member

What happens when a person dies with a vehicle titled in their name with no surviving co-owner? Some states allow vehicle owners to name a beneficiary to take title upon an owner’s death.  Michigan is not one of those states.  But it is fairly simple to take care of this situation without the dreaded trip to the Secretary of State office.

If you are the closest next of kin (usually spouse then a child) to the owner, you will want to see if you can use the “Certification From The Heir To A Vehicle” form to transfer the title.  This is a Michigan Department of State form with some criteria to allow a transfer.  The Certification requires the following.

  1. You must be the closest next of kin. In the case of a child, I do recommend that all children of the deceased person sign off and agree to the proposed transfer.
  2. The total value of all vehicles owned by the deceased person that need to be transferred cannot exceed $60,000.
  3. There must not be a probate estate opened or the need to probate the estate of the person.  If probate is required, the vehicle is an asset of the estate and must be treated as such with the sale proceeds being payable to the estate.

Another issue that comes up during this time is the existence of a secured party on the certificate of title.  A secured party such as a bank, will place a lien against a vehicle to secure repayment of money advanced for the purchase of the vehicle.  To transfer a title with a secured party listed who has been paid off, you must locate the notice received when the loan was paid off stating that the secured interest was released.  If you cannot find the release, it will be necessary to contact the creditor to obtain the release. Always bring the title, release when applicable, and death certificate with you to the Secretary of State.

Dealing with vehicles is just one small piece of wrapping up the affairs of a deceased person. We help walk you through all details and the unique situations that come up whether probate is needed, not needed, or there is a trust to be administered.  

Author(s)

Cunningham Dalman, PC publishes this web site and its component parts to inform users about our firm, our attorneys and general new developments in the law. The web site and blogs are not intended as legal advice on any matter. There are many factors that may affect your situation. You should not act or refrain from acting because of information found here without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice from someone who is familiar with your particular circumstances.

In the operation of this web site and our blogs, we do not intend to create an attorney-client relationship with you and no such relationship shall be created by your use of this web site. Such a relationship can only be established to the extent an attorney at Cunningham Dalman, PC expressly agrees to undertake the relationship. Please do not communicate to us any information you regard as confidential unless and until we have established a formal attorney-client relationship with you. Any information you send to us before we establish an attorney client relationship may not be privileged or confidential. Information you send to us over the Internet may not be secure.

 
Attorneys...
Our Practice Areas
Our Practice Areas

Recent Posts

Contact

Cunningham Dalman P.C.
PO Box 1767
321 Settlers Road
Holland, MI 49422-1767

Google Map

 

Best Law Firm 2023 - Best of the Best
Scroll to Top

Tell Us How We Can Help You

Send us a quick message or call us at 616.392.1821!

Seminar Registration

Fill in the form below to reserve your spot today for each person attending. If you have any questions, please call the office at 616.392.1821.

Seminar Registration

Fill in the form below to reserve your spot today for each person attending. If you have any questions, please call the office at 616.392.1821.

Seminar Registration

Fill in the form below to reserve your spot today for each person attending. If you have any questions, please call the office at 616.392.1821.

Call Now Button