Transfer a car title after a death in Michigan
If the person left no other property that needs probate, the surviving spouse, or an heir in the order set by inheritance law, can get a new title at a Secretary of State office with proof of death and a signed Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Car or vehicle title after a death in Michigan
If the person left no other property that needs probate, the surviving spouse, or an heir in the order set by inheritance law, can get a new title at a Secretary of State office with proof of death and a signed Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle. Bring the original title if available, a certified death certificate, identification for each heir who signs, and proof of Michigan no-fault insurance to register it. Next of kin who do not want the vehicle sign a statement saying so. The total value of the vehicles, on the date you apply, is limited: $100,000 for applications in 2024 and 2025, and for 2026 and later an amount adjusted each year and published by the Department of Treasury. If the title says 'Full Rights to Survivor', the surviving owner needs only the title, a death certificate and identification.
Law: MCL 257.236
Source: form TR-29
- Agency
- Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State)
- Fee
The Secretary of State charges its title fee; a co-owner added who is not immediate family may owe 6% sales tax.
Source: Official page
Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?
| Kind of property | How it is treated | Details |
|---|---|---|
Cars and other vehicles | Counts | A car in the person's name is part of the estate and counts. If the person left no other property that needs probate, the spouse or heir can also retitle vehicles at the Secretary of State with a certification. Law: MCL 700.3983(1)(a); MCL 257.236 |
Boats and mobile or manufactured homes | Counts | A boat or mobile home in the person's name counts at its value minus liens. Law: MCL 700.3983(1)(a) |
Related pages
Free help in Michigan
A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.
- Michigan Legal Help: find legal aid, self-help centers and clinics
- State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral and Information Service · (800) 968-0738
- Michigan courts: SCAO-approved court forms (probate forms PC 556, PC 598)
- Michigan Legal Help (statewide self-help website)
- LawHelp.org
- Legal Services Corporation (LSC) - Find legal aid
- Eldercare Locator · 1-800-677-1116
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (debt collection and mortgage complaints) · (855) 411-2372