Detailed Answer

The precise steps depend on how the vehicle was titled before death and whether the estate is being probated. Below are the usual, practical steps people follow in Alabama.

1. Identify how the vehicle is titled

• If the title was in your parent’s name alone, the vehicle is part of the parent’s estate and typically requires probate or another legal mechanism to transfer ownership.
• If the title was held jointly with right of survivorship (for example, parent’s name “and” surviving co-owner), ownership usually passes automatically to the surviving co-owner — you will need the death certificate and the title to record the change.
• If the vehicle lists a named beneficiary or transfer-on-death arrangement (rare for vehicles in Alabama), follow the directions on the title or MVD guidance.

2. Locate the title, loan documents, and the death certificate

Find the vehicle title (or a copy), any notices of lien or loan (if the vehicle is financed), and obtain certified copies of the parent’s death certificate from the county that issued it. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Motor Vehicle Division handles title and registration matters; you will need appropriate documents when you visit them.

3. Determine whether probate (formal administration) is required

If the parent left a will, the will should be filed with the probate court. The court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration which give the personal representative authority to transfer estate property, including vehicles. If the estate is small, Alabama courts offer simplified or summary procedures in some situations; check with the local probate court about small-estate procedures and thresholds.

General information about Alabama probate law and courts can be found on the Alabama Legislature and Alabama Judicial System websites: Alabama Legislature and Alabama Judicial System.

4. If probate is opened: get the required letters or court order

The probate court’s Letters (or an order) authorize the personal representative (executor or administrator) to sign a new title application transferring the vehicle from the estate to the intended recipient. You will present those Letters, the death certificate, the existing title, and a completed title application to ALEA (or an authorized tag/title office).

5. If there is no probate or you qualify for a simplified transfer

Alabama provides procedures for transferring certain assets from a decedent without full probate (often called small estate or affidavit procedures in many states). If the estate qualifies, heirs can use affidavit-based transfers or other limited-authority procedures to retitle the vehicle. The probate court or local probate judge’s office can tell you whether your situation qualifies and what affidavit forms (if any) are acceptable.

6. Visit the Motor Vehicle Division (or authorized county title office)

Bring the following (typical list — your county or ALEA office may ask for additional items):

• Certified death certificate for the decedent.
• The original vehicle title (or a certified copy) signed as required by the probate order or by the personal representative.
• Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or other probate court order authorizing the transfer; or the small-estate affidavit if applicable.
• Photo ID for the person receiving title (driver’s license or state ID).
• Proof of lien release if a lender held a lien on the vehicle.
• Completed Alabama title application form (available from ALEA/your county office).
• Payment for title transfer fees, any taxes, and registration if you plan to register the vehicle at the same time.

For official title transfer information and available forms, see the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Motor Vehicle Division website: https://www.alea.gov/.

7. If the title is lost

If you cannot find the original title, the personal representative or heir may need to apply for a duplicate title through ALEA and provide the same supporting probate documents or affidavit. The duplicate-title application process is handled by the Motor Vehicle Division or an authorized county titling office.

8. Handle existing loans and insurance

If the vehicle had a loan, contact the lender. The lender must release its lien (or sign the title) before the state will issue a new title to the heir or buyer. Also update or obtain insurance before driving the vehicle in the new owner’s name.

9. Recordkeeping and next steps

• Keep copies of all probate documents, title paperwork, transfer receipts, and lien releases.
• If you sell the vehicle after transfer, follow the normal private-party sale procedures for titles and bills of sale in Alabama.
• If multiple heirs own the vehicle jointly after transfer, create a written agreement (or seek legal help) about ownership, use, and sale to avoid disputes.

10. When to talk with an attorney

Consider speaking with a probate or estate attorney if: (a) the estate has multiple creditors or complex assets, (b) heirs dispute who should receive the vehicle, (c) the vehicle has a lender but the lender is uncooperative, or (d) you need help using a small-estate procedure. An attorney can help interpret Alabama probate law and assist with court filings.

Helpful Hints

• Call your county probate office before you visit to ask which documents and forms they require — procedures and acceptable affidavits can vary by county.
• Bring multiple certified copies of the death certificate — probate, the title office, and the lender may each ask for their own copy.
• If the decedent carried vehicle insurance, notify the insurer promptly. Cancel or transfer coverage only after you legally own the vehicle.
• Do not try to transfer or sell the vehicle without the probate authority or required affidavit; improper transfers can create liability for you.
• If the vehicle is titled jointly, the surviving co-owner often just needs the title and death certificate; check ALEA’s guidance for exact steps.
• If you expect a quick transfer (for example, to move or sell the vehicle), ask the probate court about expedited or summary procedures for personal property.
• Keep records of all fees and payments. Title transfer, registration, and possible sales taxes are usually due at the time of application for a new title.
• When in doubt, contact ALEA (Motor Vehicle Division) or your local probate judge’s office for official instructions before paying for duplicate titles or filing documents.

Official resources (start here):

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — Motor Vehicle Division: https://www.alea.gov/
• Alabama Legislature (for probate statutes and the Code of Alabama): https://www.legislature.state.al.us/
• Alabama Judicial System (probate court information and forms): https://judicial.alabama.gov/

If you want, provide the county where the parent lived and whether there was a will; I can give more targeted next steps and common local contacts in Alabama.