Vehicle Titles
How to Sell or Transfer Vehicle Titles After Death
When someone dies, one of the less obvious but necessary tasks is figuring out what to do with their car or truck. Vehicles are part of a person’s estate, and legally transferring ownership can be more complicated than people expect. Until the vehicle’s title is properly updated, no one can legally drive, sell, or donate it.
Vehicle titles are important because they are the legal documents that prove ownership of the vehicle. After the owner dies, the title does not automatically update. Even if you’re a family member or caregiver, you cannot transfer or sell the vehicle without going through the right legal process.
Your next steps:
Confirm Who Has Legal Authority
It depends on how the title was set up before death. If the vehicle was solely in the deceased’s name, it will likely need to go through succession (Louisiana’s version of probate). In that case, only the court-appointed executor or administrator is authorized to sign over the title. You’ll need documents proving your legal authority, such as Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary.
Some vehicles have a “transfer-on-death” (TOD) beneficiary listed on the title. If that’s the case, the vehicle passes directly to that person without needing to go through the full succession process. You’ll still need to bring documents to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to update the title.
Gather the Right Documents to Transfer
Start by locating the original title. You’ll also need a certified copy of the death certificate and legal documents showing your authority to act on behalf of the estate or as the TOD beneficiary. Then:
- Complete a title transfer form (available at any OMV office or online)
- Pay the required title transfer fee
- Submit all documents at a local OMV office or through the Louisiana OMV’s online portal
If the estate is still in succession and no executor has been appointed, the vehicle generally cannot be transferred until someone is legally named to handle it.
Handle the Sale the Right Way
You must update the title before selling. If the buyer attempts to register a vehicle that’s still in the deceased’s name, the registration will be rejected. Make sure that any outstanding loans or liens on the vehicle are paid off, and only the authorized estate representative should sign over the title to the buyer.
Avoid Mistakes
Never attempt to sign the deceased person’s name or “skip” the title process. Doing so is illegal and may cause problems with the estate, as well as delay any future sale or use of the vehicle.
For help, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at 1-225-925-6146 or visit www.expresslane.org. If the estate is in probate, speak to a Louisiana succession attorney to ensure everything is handled correctly.
