Transfer a car title after a death in Iowa
If the estate is not probated, the person entitled to the vehicle files an affidavit with the county treasurer stating the name and date of death, their right to the vehicle and that there has been no administration, and agreeing to indemnify the person's creditors up to the vehicle's value.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Car or vehicle title after a death in Iowa
If the estate is not probated, the person entitled to the vehicle files an affidavit with the county treasurer stating the name and date of death, their right to the vehicle and that there has been no administration, and agreeing to indemnify the person's creditors up to the vehicle's value. Iowa DOT uses form 411088 (no will) or 411083 (will not probated), plus the title application form 411007, the title, and a copy of the death certificate. Title fees are waived when the vehicle goes to the surviving spouse.
Law: Iowa Code 321.47(2)
- Agency
- Iowa Department of Transportation, through the county treasurer
- Fee
Title fees apply, except the title fee and surcharge are waived for a surviving spouse.
Source: Official page
Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?
| Kind of property | How it is treated | Details |
|---|---|---|
Cars and other vehicles | Counts | Vehicles are personal property and count. Heirs can also retitle a vehicle at the county treasurer with an affidavit under Iowa Code 321.47. Law: Iowa Code 633.356; Iowa Code 321.47(2) |
Boats and mobile or manufactured homes | Counts | Boats and other personal property count. Law: Iowa Code 633.356 |
Related pages
Free help in Iowa
A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.