How to Do a Title Search on a Deceased Person
When a person passes away, there may be titles to real and personal property registered in the decedent's name. To properly probate an estate, the executor or administrator must conduct title searches to find said real and personal property titles. When the titles are found, they may be transferred to the designated beneficiary. Each state has its own probate and estate laws, but in general the processes are similar.
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Instructions
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Get a copy of the decedent's death certificate from the medical examiner or through the funeral home which buried the decedent. Also, get a copy of the power of attorney document which allows a survivor to act on the behalf of the decedent. Write down the decedents full name, date of birth, and residential address.
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Go to the local motor vehicles department. Ask for the procedure and any necessary applications to search for personal property owned by the decedent. This will include but is not limited to: automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, personal water crafts, all terrain vehicles, and other moving equipment like tractors. Have the DMV conduct a title search to find any such vehicle registrations.
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Visit the county recorders office or the county tax collector's office. Supply the office with a copy of the death certificate and power of attorney. Fill out any mandatory forms to run a title search of any real property owned by the decedent.
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Hire an attorney or private investigator. In the instance where you believe other property was owned by the decedent but did not turn-up in the other title searches, the registrations may have occurred in another county or state. In these instances, a more thorough search must be conducted by a professional experienced in finding property not in a particular jurisdiction.
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Tips & Warnings
You may also hire a title agency to conduct a real property search but this will likely be limited to the agency's state of operation.
