Summary and disclaimer

This article explains common, practical ways to establish the fair market value of motor vehicles that belonged to a deceased person for Washington probate purposes. This is educational information only and is not legal advice. If you need legal guidance about a specific estate, contact a Washington probate attorney.

Detailed Answer: Proving vehicle value under Washington law

When administering an estate in Washington, you will usually need to report the value of the decedent’s assets, including cars, trucks, motorcycles or other titled vehicles. Washington’s probate statutes are found in RCW Title 11 (Probate) and motor vehicle law in RCW Title 46; useful starting points are the state code pages: RCW Title 11 and RCW Title 46. The Washington Department of Licensing also explains title-transfer procedures: WA DOL — Transfer ownership.

1. Identify the vehicle and any encumbrances

Before valuing a vehicle, gather these items: the vehicle title, registration, loan or lien statements (if any), maintenance and repair records, the current odometer reading, photos of the vehicle, and any insurance valuations. Confirm whether the vehicle passed outside probate (for example, via a Transfer-On-Death designation, joint ownership with right of survivorship, or an insurance/lien payoff). If the vehicle was held with transfer-on-death designation or passed by operation of law, it may not be part of the probate estate.

2. Choose an appropriate valuation method

Common, court-accepted methods to prove a vehicle’s fair market value include:

• Published valuation guides—print and save pages showing the make, model, year, condition and date used (examples: Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADA guides). These are frequently relied upon because they show a market-based estimate.
• Comparable local listings—take dated screenshots or printouts from local listings (dealer or private sale) for similar vehicles in your area; include mileage and condition.
• Independent appraiser or mechanic evaluation—obtain a written appraisal or signed statement from an automotive appraiser or a reputable local dealer. For unusual or classic cars, a formal appraisal is often best.
• Dealer offers or auction results—written purchase offers or auction sale receipts for the vehicle give direct market evidence.
• Personal representative’s sworn value—some jurisdictions accept the personal representative’s affidavit of value if supported by documentation; attach supporting materials.

3. Document condition and mileage

Condition and odometer reading strongly affect value. Create a dated record showing:

• Odometer reading (take photos of the dash).
• Interior and exterior photos showing condition, rust, body damage, wear, and tires.
• Maintenance/repair history and any recent mechanical issues or salvage history.

4. Prepare the paperwork to file with the court

When you file the inventory, appraisal, or other estate account with the probate court, include copies of the items you used to reach the value—printouts from valuation guides, appraisal letters, dealer offers, and your photos. If the court requires a formal appraisal, obtain one from a qualified appraiser and attach the appraisal report and the appraiser’s affidavit or declaration.

5. Handling liens, loans and salvage titles

If the vehicle has a loan or lien, list the vehicle’s gross value and show the lienholder’s outstanding payoff amount. For salvage or rebuilt titles, note that salvage status usually reduces fair market value and provide documentation (title brand, repair invoices, auction records).

6. When a formal appraisal is advisable

Obtain a formal, written appraisal when:

• The vehicle is rare, classic or has collectible value.
• The estate’s value is contested by beneficiaries or creditors.
• The vehicle’s condition or title history is complex (salvage, flood damage, major repairs).

7. Practical sequence of steps

1. Locate title, registration, insurance and any Transfer-on-Death designation.
2. Check for liens with the title or lender statements.
3. Gather photos, odometer reading and maintenance records.
4. Use valuation guides and collect local comparable listings.
5. If needed, get a written appraisal or dealer offer.
6. Prepare an inventory entry and attach supporting documentation for the probate filing.

8. Where to find forms and more information

Washington Courts provide probate forms and instructions at Washington Courts — Forms. For vehicle transfer questions (title upon death, how to transfer out of estate), see the WA Department of Licensing: Transfer ownership and vehicle title information.

Helpful Hints

• Start documenting value and condition immediately—photos with dates and odometer photos are powerful evidence.
• Keep originals of title, lien payoff statements and any appraisals; file copies with the court inventory.
• Use at least two sources for valuation when possible (e.g., KBB + local dealer offers) to show a reasonable market range.
• If beneficiaries disagree about value, consider a neutral appraisal to reduce disputes and court challenges.
• Note salvage, flood or rebuilt title branding in your inventory and show how it affected value.
• Ask the court clerk or a probate attorney if you’re unsure which form or level of documentation the local probate court expects—county practices vary.