How to Transfer a Vehicle Title upon Death of the Owner in Nevada

Upon a person's death, the heirs or the person handling the decedent's estate must take care of appropriation of personal property. The state of Nevada allows an owner of a vehicle to list one or more beneficiaries on a vehicle title, unless there is a lienholder. Upon the owner's death, the beneficiary must apply for a title transfer to legally obtain ownership of the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Certificate of Title
• Death certificate
• $20 title fee
• Vehicle license plate
• Deceased person's driver's license
• Transfer of title application

Instructions

Preparation

1. Gather the required documents. You'll need the Certificate of Title for the vehicle, a certified copy of the death certificate and the deceased person's driver's license. If you do not have the Certificate of Title, you must apply for a duplicate. If the vehicle was last titled in a state other than Nevada, you'll need to obtain a Certificate of Title from that state, then apply for a Nevada title.

2. Check the wording on the Certificate of Title. The Certificate of Title should list a beneficiary or beneficiaries, unless there is a lienholder. If more than one beneficiary is listed, all beneficiaries may need to sign the Transfer of Title. If the word "and" appears between the beneficiaries' names, both must sign the Transfer of Title. (For example, "John Smith and Mary Smith.") If the word "or" appears, then only one beneficiary is required to sign ("John or Mary Smith").

3. Take all documents to any Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will have to surrender the license plate and deceased person's driver's license. Turn in the Title Transfer application, death certificate and $20 transfer fee. You will have to get a new registration, new license plates and insurance if you plan to drive the vehicle. Some localities require an emissions inspection as well.

4. Submit the documents by mail if you merely want to transfer the title but don't plan to drive the vehicle. Send the Title Transfer application, death certificate, $20 transfer fee in check or money order and a letter of explanation via certified mail to:

   Department of Motor Vehicles

   Title Processing

   555 Wright Way

   Carson City, NV 89711

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to wait approximately eight weeks for the new title to arrive.

• The beneficiary cannot legally drive the vehicle until the vehicle is insured and registered in that person's name.

Resources

• Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles