When a vehicle owner passes away, the title does not automatically transfer to a spouse, child, or family member. Maryland MVA requirements depend on how the vehicle is titled, whether probate applies, and whether there are complications like liens, missing titles, or flags.
Use the tool below to identify the most likely documents and next steps for your situation—before anyone signs the title.
Need help before you sign anything?
If you’re not sure which path applies, contact Maryland Express Services (MES) and we’ll help you avoid delays and paperwork mistakes.
Have these ready (if available):
The vehicle title (don’t sign yet)
A certified death certificate (recommended)
Any estate paperwork (letters of administration / letters testamentary, if applicable)
Lienholder info (if the vehicle was financed)
Any notices related to insurance, tolls, citations, or flags
These are the most common paths. Your exact requirements may vary, but understanding the patterns can help you avoid the biggest delays.
If the vehicle was titled with a surviving co-owner, the transfer may be simpler—but not always. The way the title is structured matters, so it’s smart to confirm before signing.
Many people assume the spouse can sign and transfer immediately. In reality, the spouse may still need documentation showing the correct authority depending on the title structure and estate handling.
Heirs often need documentation showing authority to transfer—especially when probate applies. One wrong signature can trigger major delays.
If the estate is selling the vehicle, the buyer typically needs the correct estate authority and a clean paperwork trail. Buyers should not pay until authority is verified.
These issues commonly block the process until resolved:
Lien still recorded (even if the loan was paid off)
MVA flags / stops (insurance lapse, tolls, citations, etc.)
Missing title (duplicate title path may be required)
Out-of-state title history
Answer a few questions to see the most likely documents and next steps for your situation (Maryland MVA).
Contact us before signing the title if:
You’re not sure whether probate applies
More than one family member is involved
The title is missing, damaged, or unreadable
A lien may still be recorded
You suspect an MVA flag/stop
The vehicle has out-of-state title history
We’ll help you confirm the likely path and avoid paperwork mistakes that cause delays.
This page and tool are for general information only and are not legal advice. Requirements can vary by situation and may change. Always confirm details with the Maryland MVA and, when applicable, the estate representative or legal counsel.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration – Vehicle Titling & Registration