How do we transfer title to a vehicle that is in the name of a deceased person?
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How do we transfer title to a vehicle that is in the name of a deceased person?
My mom died with no Will. She had 2 small bank accounts, 2 savings bonds and a vehicle solely in her name. My sister and I went to the office of Wills and was told that because her assets were under $10,000 we did not have to go through the estate process. She had a few checks in her name, which I sent back to the companies, because without an estate we could not open an account for the checks. The vehicle which is in her name, our cousin has it because when our mother was alive she signed for the vehicle. My cousin paid it off but when the title came she never took my mom to transfer the title. How do we deal with this, and are we to pay inheritance tax on the vehicle? How do we get it back her?
Asked on May 15, 2015 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. First, it is unclear if your cousin is also on the title. If she is as a joint owner look here at this site:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-vehtrans.pdf
And this form is required:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/mv_forms/mv-39.pdf
HOWEVER: if the estate qualifies for a small estate procedure then you do not need that form, but you need something called a SHort Form Certificate from the registrar of Wills attached to the title to transfer it. See paragraph two under "General Information." Good luck.
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