Transfer a car title after a death in Pennsylvania
When no executor or administrator has been appointed, the title is transferred with form MV-39 (Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title upon Death of Owner) and the title. The informant is a joint owner with right of survivorship, the surviving spouse, or if none an adult child, or if none a parent.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Car or vehicle title after a death in Pennsylvania
When no executor or administrator has been appointed, the title is transferred with form MV-39 (Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title upon Death of Owner) and the title. The informant is a joint owner with right of survivorship, the surviving spouse, or if none an adult child, or if none a parent. If there is no will and the spouse is not a co-owner, the spouse and all adult children assign the title, all heirs are listed, signatures are notarized, and the spouse or adult heir swears that all the person's debts have been paid. A death certificate is attached. If a court order under the family exemption or small estate procedure exists, MV-39 is not needed.
Law: PennDOT form MV-39 (1-25)
- Agency
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Fee
A title fee is required except when the transfer is to a surviving spouse; MV-4ST is needed when the title is assigned.
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; family can also retitle a vehicle with PennDOT form MV-39. Law: 20 Pa.C.S. 3102; PennDOT MV-39 |
Boats and mobile or manufactured homes | Counts | Boats and other personal property count. Law: 20 Pa.C.S. 3102 |
Related pages
Free help in Pennsylvania
A court self-help center or a legal aid office can check whether the estate qualifies, free of charge or at low cost.