Transfer a car title after a death in Arizona

By law, the Motor Vehicle Division transfers the title of a motor vehicle from the person who died to the successor when you present a small estate affidavit for personal property (after 30 days) and pay the fees.

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Arizona

By law, the Motor Vehicle Division transfers the title of a motor vehicle from the person who died to the successor when you present a small estate affidavit for personal property (after 30 days) and pay the fees. MVD is then released from liability.

Law: A.R.S. 14-3971(D), 14-3972(B), 28-2055(B)

Agency
Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD)
Waiting period
30 days after the death
Fee

MVD charges its title fees.

Transfer-on-death title

At the owner's request, the title can include a transfer-on-death provision naming a beneficiary of the vehicle.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

Cars count as personal property, minus any car loan. The Motor Vehicle Division transfers the title on the same affidavit.

Law: A.R.S. 14-3971(B), (D); Maricopa County form PBSE1k

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Not clear

Ask the court self-help center how a boat or mobile home is treated.

Law: A.R.S. 14-3971

Related pages

Free help in Arizona

A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.