Transferring a car title after the owner dies in Arkansas
For a spouse, child, heir or executor dealing with a car that was owned by someone who died in Arkansas. In Arkansas, car titles go through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, which most people call the DMV.
To transfer a car title after the owner dies in Arkansas when the estate is not probated, the sole heirs sign form 10-306, the Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle. It names who the car will be titled to. If the owner named a beneficiary on the title, that person becomes the owner.
If the estate is going through probate, or family members disagree, talk to the probate court or a lawyer before you sign anything.
Last checked against official Arkansas sources.
Which route applies when a car owner dies in Arkansas?
Heirs, when the estate is not probated
The sole heirs sign the Affidavit of Inheritance. It says the estate has not been administered and names who the car will be titled to.
10-306 · Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicledfa.arkansas.gov checkedA beneficiary named on the title
While alive, an owner can add one person as beneficiary if there is no lien. That person becomes the owner at the death.
Certificate of Title with Beneficiarydfa.arkansas.gov checkedAn estate with a court case
Bring the death certificate and the letters testamentary, along with the other papers for a title transfer.
dfa.arkansas.gov checkedCommon questions
What is Arkansas form 10-306?
The Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle, signed by the sole heirs when the estate is not probated.
dfa.arkansas.govsource 2 checked
Can a beneficiary be added to a title with a lien?
No. A beneficiary cannot be added while there is a lien.
dfa.arkansas.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Arkansas sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.