Transferring a car title after the owner dies in Wisconsin
For a spouse, child, heir or executor dealing with a car that was owned by someone who died in Wisconsin.
To transfer a car title after the owner dies in Wisconsin, a surviving spouse or domestic partner can move up to five cars with form MV2300 and pays no title transfer fee. Heirs of a small estate also use it. Above that limit, a personal representative sends estate papers instead.
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 Wisconsin sources.
Which route applies when a car owner dies in Wisconsin?
A surviving spouse or domestic partner
You can transfer up to five cars that only the deceased owned, with form MV2300, the title and form MV1. There is no title transfer fee for a qualifying spouse or partner.
MV2300 · Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to or by a Surviving Family Member, Domestic Partner or Heirwisconsindot.gov checkedA joint owner
With "or" on the title, you sign alone as seller. With "and", you and the deceased's legal representative both sign. To remove the name, send MV2300 and the title.
wisconsindot.gov checkedAn heir of an estate of $50,000 or less
Title the car in your name, or sign as heir to sell it. Form MV2300 is required either way.
MV2300 · Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to or by a Surviving Family Member, Domestic Partner or Heirwisconsindot.gov checkedA personal representative
If the deceased's own property is over $50,000, send the personal representative papers instead of MV2300. The representative signs the title as seller.
wisconsindot.gov checkedCommon questions
What is Wisconsin form MV2300?
The Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to or by a Surviving Family Member, Domestic Partner or Heir.
wisconsindot.gov checked
What if the title says "or"?
The surviving co-owner signs alone as the seller. With "and", the legal representative of the deceased signs too.
wisconsindot.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Wisconsin sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, 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.