Transfer a car title after a death in Minnesota

When the owner has died, the vehicle should be transferred to remove the owner's name. A motor vehicle registrar must issue a new title in the successor's name when shown a small estate affidavit and certified death record (after 30 days).

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Minnesota

When the owner has died, the vehicle should be transferred to remove the owner's name. A motor vehicle registrar must issue a new title in the successor's name when shown a small estate affidavit and certified death record (after 30 days). A surviving spouse is entitled to one automobile from the estate regardless of value. DVS form PS2071 is used either by a surviving spouse who selects the vehicle, or by an heir who certifies that the estate has not been and will not be probated and that there are no money claims or security interests on the vehicle. The form must be notarized and comes with the title, proof of death and the title and filing fees. A transfer-on-death beneficiary named on the title becomes the owner at death. DVS recommends visiting a deputy registrar office because these transfers need several documents and signatures.

Law: Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201(d), 524.2-403(a)(2), 168A.125; DVS form PS2071

Agency
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), through deputy registrar offices
Form
PS2071 Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to Probate (PS2071-11, 08/26)
Waiting period
30 days after the death
Fee

Deputy registrars charge the standard title transfer fees; see DVS vehicle fees.

Transfer-on-death title

An owner can title a vehicle in transfer-on-death (TOD) form by naming one or more beneficiaries on the title application. The beneficiaries have no interest until the owner (or last joint owner) dies; the owner can change the beneficiary by applying for a new title.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

A vehicle in the person's name alone counts, minus any loan on it, unless it has a transfer-on-death beneficiary. The registrar issues a new title on the affidavit.

Law: Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201(a)(1), (d); Minn. Stat. 168A.125

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats and manufactured homes in the person's name count, minus liens.

Law: Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201(a)(1)

Related pages

Free help in Minnesota

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