Transfer a car title after a death in Virginia

If no executor or administrator has been appointed and none is expected, an heir can get a new title by bringing the DMV a certified or notarized death certificate, the title, proof of address and the fees, plus a Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title (VSA 24) (with a copy of the will, if there is one).

Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.

Car or vehicle title after a death in Virginia

If no executor or administrator has been appointed and none is expected, an heir can get a new title by bringing the DMV a certified or notarized death certificate, the title, proof of address and the fees, plus a Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title (VSA 24) (with a copy of the will, if there is one). On VSA 24 the heir certifies that the person's debts are paid (or the sale proceeds will pay them) and lists everyone else with an interest, who must sign their consent. The DMV also accepts a small estate affidavit. A surviving co-owner with right of survivorship ('or' between the names, or 'or survivor') can remove the deceased owner, including online. Sales and use tax is not charged on a vehicle transferred to an heir this way.

Law: Va. Code secs. 46.2-634, 64.2-606(B)

Agency
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Form
VSA 24 Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title
Fee

DMV title fees apply; see the DMV fee chart.

Source: Official page

Do vehicles count toward the small estate limit?

Kind of propertyHow it is treatedDetails
Cars and other vehicles
Counts

A vehicle is personal property and counts. It can also be transferred at the DMV without the small estate affidavit.

Law: Va. Code 64.2-601(A)(1), 64.2-606(B)

Boats and mobile or manufactured homes
Counts

Boats and other personal property count.

Law: Va. Code 64.2-600, 64.2-601(A)(1)

Related pages

Free help in Virginia

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