How to Transfer Car Titles in Pennsylvania After Someone Dies

In the event a vehicle owner should die in Pennsylvania, the car's ownership can be transferred to a new owner. The deceased's heir apparent or whomever the deceased specifically names in a last will and testament is eligible to have the title transferred and become the new owner of the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Death certificate
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation MV-4ST form (as needed)
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation MV-39 (as needed)
• Original title
• Proof of insurance

Instructions

Joint Owners With Right Of Survivorship

1. Obtain the title of the vehicle and look for the options "Joint Owners with Right of Survivorship" and "Tenants in Common." If the option is checked with "Joint Owners with Right of Ownership" the vehicle is automatically passed on to the surviving owners but requires that person to apply for a new title solely in their name or with another joint party.

2. Gather the original title, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation MV-39 form, an original death certificate, insurance information and applicable fees. No fee is required if the joint ownership was between a husband and wife. If the vehicle was owned jointly with someone other than a spouse, a $22.50 fee is required.

3. Mail the documents to the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, PA, 17104

Tenants In Common Form

1. Determine if an executor of the deceased's will has been appointed. The executor of the will must assign the new title to the beneficiary of the vehicle.

2. Gather a copy of the will and short form certificate that serves as proof of an executor's appointment, a completed Pennsylvania Department of Transportation MV-4ST form, proof of death, the $22.50 certificate for title fee and a $6 for a license plate transfer fee. Plates are only transferable to a spouse, children, parents, in-laws, step-parents and step-children. Otherwise the new owner must apply for new license plates.

3. Submit the MV-39 form in addition to the above documents, excluding the proof of executor's appointment, if no executor is named for the will or if there is no will and the vehicle will be transferred to a spouse, children or parents.

4. Locate a local Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles agent and bring the gathered materials to the office. The MV-4ST form cannot be downloaded online. To complete the "Tenants in Common" form to transfer the title, you must request the form and complete it in-person.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Fact Sheet