Transferring a car title after the owner dies in Minnesota
To transfer a car title after the owner dies in Minnesota, a surviving spouse completes the transfer with the title, proof of death and the notarized Surviving Spouse form from Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). With no spouse and no probate, the next heir uses the same form. In probate, the executor or administrator signs the title as seller.
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Checked to ยท 3 official sources
For a spouse, child, heir or executor dealing with a car that was owned by someone who died in Minnesota. In Minnesota, car titles go through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, which most people call the DMV.
If the estate is going through probate, or family members disagree, talk to the probate court or a lawyer before you sign anything.
Which route applies when a car owner dies in Minnesota?
A transfer on death title
If the title names a TOD beneficiary, the car passes to that person when the owner dies.
revisor.mn.gov checkedOther transfers at death
The new owner sends the last title, proof of the transfer and a title application.
revisor.mn.gov checkedA surviving spouse
The spouse counts as the heir and completes the transfer with the title, proof of death and the notarized Surviving Spouse form.
Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to ProbateFind this form on the Driver and Vehicle Services page for a deceased owner
dps.mn.gov checkedNo spouse, and no probate
The next heir under state law transfers the car with the title, proof of death and the notarized Not Subject to Probate form.
Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to Probatedps.mn.gov checkedThe estate goes through probate
The executor or administrator named by the court signs the title as seller and adds a certified court paper, such as Letters of Administration.
dps.mn.gov checkedNo legal heirs, and no probate
An Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property is used, and the signature on it must be notarized.
dps.mn.gov checkedA will on its own
A will cannot transfer the car, but it can show the inheritance so the heir does not pay sales tax.
dps.mn.gov checkedPrinting this out? Download the 2-page checklist (PDF)
Common questions
Can a will transfer the car in Minnesota?
No. A will cannot transfer the car, but it can show the inheritance so the heir does not pay sales tax.
dps.mn.gov checked
What if the owner named a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary?
The car passes to that person when the owner dies.
revisor.mn.gov checked
Does the Surviving Spouse form need a notary?
Yes. The form must be completed and notarized.
dps.mn.gov checked
What if there are no legal heirs?
An Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property is used, and the signature on it must be notarized.
dps.mn.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Minnesota sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, 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.