Retitling a Deceased Parent's Car in Connecticut: Steps and Checklist | Connecticut Probate | FastCounsel
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Retitling a Deceased Parent's Car in Connecticut: Steps and Checklist

August 13, 2025 6 min read

Detailed Answer

Transferring title to a motor vehicle after a parent dies in Connecticut usually follows one of three paths: (1) a simple transfer because the vehicle was jointly owned and passes automatically to the surviving co-owner; (2) a non‑probate transfer using a statutory or DMV affidavit for small or limited transfers; or (3) a probate transfer performed by an executor or administrator. Which path applies depends on how the vehicle was titled, whether the decedent left a will, the value of the estate, and whether the decedent named a beneficiary.

Step-by-step overview

  1. Find the title, registration and other papers. Locate the vehicle’s certificate of title (if you can), the registration, the decedent’s will (if any), and any documents that name beneficiaries or co‑owners.
  2. Get a certified death certificate. You will need at least one certified copy of the death certificate for the DMV, the probate court (if used), the bank, and any lender or insurer.
  3. Determine how the vehicle is titled. If the title is in the decedent’s name alone, the vehicle does not automatically pass to heirs. If the title lists another person as a joint owner (for example, “John Doe and Jane Doe”), it may pass directly to the surviving owner. Read the actual title wording and get the original document when possible.
  4. If the vehicle was jointly owned with right of survivorship. The surviving co-owner generally must present the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, and proof of identity to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will record the death and issue a new title in the surviving owner’s name. Contact the DMV for the specific form(s) required.
  5. If the vehicle is solely in the decedent’s name:
    • If the decedent left a will and someone has been appointed executor, the executor can transfer title using the probate court’s letters testamentary and the title.
    • If there is no will or no executor, an administrator must be appointed by the Probate Court (letters of administration). The administrator uses the court documents to retitle the car.
    • If the estate qualifies for Connecticut’s small‑estate procedures (a simplified process for limited-value estates), you may be able to use affidavits or other simplified paperwork to transfer the vehicle without full probate. Check with the Probate Court and the DMV to confirm whether your situation qualifies and which forms to use.
  6. Visit the Connecticut DMV. Whether you have letters from probate or a small‑estate affidavit, you will usually need to submit the following to the DMV: the original title signed as required, a certified death certificate, proof of identity, the probate court order or affidavit (if applicable), and a completed application for transfer of title. The DMV will provide the exact list of forms and any required signatures.
  7. Address liens and loans. If the vehicle has a lien, the lender must release the lien or provide payoff instructions before the DMV issues a clear title. The estate may need to pay the lender from estate funds.
  8. Pay fees and any tax obligations. There are title and registration fees. If the transfer is an inheritance or between certain family members, sales and use tax may be different or exempt — check with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services and the DMV for current rules and exemptions.
  9. Complete registration and insurance steps. After the DMV issues a new title, update insurance and, if you plan to drive, register the vehicle in the new owner’s name.

Legal sources and official contacts

For forms and details from the agency that issues titles, contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV.

For probate filings, letters, and small‑estate procedures, contact the Connecticut Probate Court system: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate. The Probate Court can tell you whether you need to open an estate or whether a small‑estate process applies.

For tax questions about transfers after death, contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS.

When probate is required

Probate is usually required if the decedent owned the vehicle solely and the estate’s assets (or the vehicle itself) cannot be transferred under a simplified affidavit process. Probate results in letters (executor or administrator) that give authority to transfer the title and settle estate debts. The Probate Court will provide the forms and instructions for appointing an administrator or admitting a will to probate. See the Connecticut Probate Court website above for local procedures.

Common complications

  • No title located: you may need a bonded or duplicate title from the DMV before transferring ownership.
  • Disputed heirs or competing claims: probate or court orders may be necessary to determine ownership.
  • Outstanding loans or liens that require payoff before transfer.
  • Missing signatures or incorrect titling language that creates ambiguity about survivorship rights.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Connecticut procedures; it is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult an attorney or contact the Probate Court and the Connecticut DMV.

Helpful Hints

  • Start by locating the original title and at least one certified death certificate — these two items are almost always required.
  • Call your local Probate Court early. They can tell you whether you need to open a formal probate, obtain letters, or use a small‑estate procedure.
  • Call the Connecticut DMV’s title office before you go. Ask which forms you must bring for a transfer after death and whether the vehicle qualifies for a simplified transfer.
  • If you find a joint owner on the title, gather proof of identity for that person and the death certificate before visiting the DMV.
  • If a lender holds a lien, get a payoff statement in writing. The DMV often requires lien release documentation to issue a new title.
  • Keep originals and certified copies of all documents. Many offices will not accept photocopies for critical items like death certificates.
  • Ask whether the transfer is exempt from sales/use tax — tax rules change and exemptions sometimes apply to transfers by inheritance.
  • If the estate is contested or the value is significant, consider consulting a probate attorney to avoid mistakes that can delay transfer.

The information on this site is for general informational purposes only, may be outdated, and is not legal advice; do not rely on it without consulting your own attorney.