Short answer — what the court expects

When you administer a decedent’s estate in Oregon, the personal representative (executor or administrator) generally must identify, document, and report the estate’s assets, including any vehicles. The court or interested parties need a credible valuation dated as of the decedent’s date of death or another date ordered by the court. That valuation should be supported by objective evidence such as published guides, comparable sales, dealer appraisals, or a written appraisal by a qualified appraiser.

What to gather first — documentation checklist

• Vehicle title and registration.
• Odometer reading and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Recent maintenance, repair, or upgrade receipts (these can raise value).
• Any loan or lien payoff statements (to show encumbrances).
• Photos of the vehicle showing condition and mileage.
• Insurance statements or prior appraisal reports, if any.

Acceptable methods to determine vehicle value

Courts and interested parties accept multiple valuation methods. Use one or more of the following and keep dated, written evidence.

• Published pricing guides: Use the value for the vehicle as of the date of death from reliable sources such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADA Guides, or Edmunds. Save or print the report and note the date you ran it.
• Comparable sales: Gather listings or recent sale records for similar vehicles (make, model, year, mileage, condition) from local classifieds, dealership listings, or online marketplaces.
• Dealer or auction quotes: Obtain written trade-in or wholesale estimates from one or more dealers or auction houses. These are helpful when the vehicle is sold in the ordinary course or transferred to a beneficiary.
• Independent appraiser: Hire a licensed vehicle appraiser to produce a written appraisal saying what the car was worth on the date of death. Use a professional appraisal when value is disputed or for high-value or unusual vehicles.
• Affidavit of value: For small estates or transfers under Oregon procedures, the personal representative or a close family member may use an affidavit describing the vehicle and stating its fair market value, supported by the evidence above.

How to present the value to the probate court

1. Prepare an inventory or listing of estate assets that includes each vehicle, the supporting valuation method, and the value used.
2. Attach supporting documents: printed guide reports, comparable listings, dealer quotes, appraiser’s report, photos, and lien payoff statements.
3. If an interested party contests a value, be prepared to provide sworn testimony or call the appraiser as a witness at a hearing.
4. If using a small‑estate affidavit or simplified transfer procedure, follow the court forms and instructions closely and attach the valuation evidence requested by the form or clerk.

Common complications and how to handle them

• Disagreement between heirs: Try to obtain two independent valuations or a neutral appraiser. A court can resolve disputes if necessary.
• Vehicle has liens: Show payoff figures from the creditor(s). Net value equals fair market value minus secured liens.
• Damaged, custom, or classic cars: Use a specialist appraiser experienced with the specific vehicle type.
• Vehicles sold before probate completes: Keep sales paperwork and show that sale price reflects fair market value at the sale date. If sale occurred under unusual circumstances, be ready to explain.

Where to find Oregon probate forms and guidance

Oregon’s courts provide probate forms and instructions that explain inventory and reporting requirements. Review the probate forms and instructions online and contact the probate clerk with procedural questions:

• Oregon Judicial Department — Probate forms and information: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/probate-forms.aspx
• Oregon Revised Statutes (overview of state law): https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/Pages/ORS.aspx
• Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (title and transfer info): https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/Pages/index.aspx

When to get a lawyer

Consider hiring an Oregon probate attorney if:

• The estate is large or includes unusual or high-value vehicles.
• Heirs dispute the vehicle’s value or ownership.
• There are complex liens, tax issues, or potential creditor claims.
• You are unsure how to complete court inventories or filings correctly.

Helpful hints

• Value the vehicle as of the date of death; note the date on every valuation document.
• Use multiple valuation sources when possible (e.g., KBB + comparable sales + dealer quote).
• Keep originals and make dated copies of all documents you submit to the court.
• If you hire an appraiser, get a written report that states the appraiser’s qualifications and methodology.
• Remember to subtract liens or outstanding loan payoffs to show net value to the estate.
• Contact the probate clerk for local procedural questions before filing documents.