Transferring a car title after the owner dies in Georgia
For a spouse, child, heir or executor dealing with a car that was owned by someone who died in Georgia.
To transfer a car title after the owner dies in Georgia, the route depends on the title and the estate. A surviving joint owner signs the title over with a copy of the death certificate, and an executor uses Letters Testamentary. With no will and no administration, the inheritor files the Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicle (Form T-20).
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 Georgia sources.
Which route applies when a car owner dies in Georgia?
The title names joint owners with rights of survivorship
The surviving owner can sign the title over to someone else and attach a copy of the death certificate.
dor.georgia.gov checkedAn executor has Letters Testamentary, or there is a Year's Support order
The inheritor applies at the County Tag Office with Form MV-1, the title and a certified copy of the Letters Testamentary or Year's Support. If the estate sells the car, the executor signs the title over.
dor.georgia.gov checkedNo will and no estate administration
The inheritor files a notarized Affidavit of Inheritance (Form T-20) with a certified copy of the death certificate, and must title the car in their own name before selling it. With only one heir, a copy of a No Administration Necessary order can replace the T-20.
Form T-20 · Affidavit of Inheritance of a Motor Vehicledor.georgia.gov checkedCommon questions
What is the Georgia Affidavit of Inheritance?
Form T-20. The inheritor signs it in front of a notary when there was no will and no estate administration.
dor.georgia.govsource 2 checked
Can the inheritor sell the car right away?
Not with Form T-20: the inheritor must title the car in their own name first.
dor.georgia.govsource 2 checked
What if the title names joint owners with rights of survivorship?
The surviving owner can sign the title over and attach a copy of the death certificate.
dor.georgia.gov checked
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About this page
This page summarizes official Georgia sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, 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.