How to Remove a Name From a Title Due to Death

Title transfers involving a deceased owner can be complex because of probate laws. However, if you've consulted a probate attorney -- or, at the least, your name is listed on the title to receive ownership after the title holder has died -- you can complete the transfer process by filing paperwork with the appropriate government agency.

Instructions

Vehicles

1. Complete a "title application" form, which is available at state motor vehicle registration offices.

2. Obtain the title and death certificate of the current title holder.

3. Bring the form, title and death certificate to the registration office. Pay the fee to have a new title created in your name (fees vary among states). You can also register the vehicle at the same time by submitting a vehicle registration form.

Real Property

1. Establish a trust, through an attorney, to sign the title of your property into.

2. Set yourself as the trustee, essentially stating that you're holding the property until your death, at which time the title will be handed over to the trust. This avoids probate, a costly legal process that determines who will receive the decedent's assets.

3. Execute the will upon the death of the title holder to transfer the title and remove the decedent's name from the title.

References

• DMV: Vehicle Title Transfer
• EXT.ColoState: How Property Passes at Death