Short Answer — What you usually must do

In most cases you must: (1) determine how the vehicle is titled; (2) gather documentation (original title if available, certified death certificate, proof of your legal authority such as letters testamentary or a small‑estate affidavit); (3) pay any required fees and taxes; and (4) submit the paperwork to the Iowa Department of Transportation (or your county treasurer) to get a new title issued in the correct name. If the vehicle passes automatically to a joint owner or named beneficiary, the transfer is simpler. If the vehicle is part of a probate estate, the personal representative handles the transfer.

Detailed answer — step-by-step under Iowa law

1. Find the vehicle title and read how it’s titled

Start by locating the vehicle title. The way the title lists owners controls available options:

• If the title lists the parent and another person as joint owners with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner typically becomes sole owner automatically. You will still need to present the death certificate to update the title.
• If the title lists only the deceased parent, or lists owners as tenants in common, the car becomes part of the parent’s estate and must be transferred through the estate process (see steps below).
• If a beneficiary or transfer-on-death designation exists (if used in the state/title), follow the title’s instructions or DOT rules to transfer to the beneficiary.

2. Confirm whether probate is required

If the vehicle’s ownership did not pass automatically, determine whether the estate must go through probate. For smaller estates or where allowed by law, Iowa provides non-probate options (for example, transfers using a small estate affidavit). If the estate is opened in probate, the court will issue letters testamentary or letters of administration that identify the personal representative who can sign transfer documents.

See Iowa probate guidance and statutes for details on when probate is required and how to get authority to act for the estate: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633.pdf

3. Gather the documents the Iowa DOT (or county treasurer) will require

Common documents required to retitle a vehicle after an owner’s death include:

• The original vehicle title (or an application for a duplicate title if the original is lost).
• A certified copy of the death certificate for the deceased owner.
• Proof of your legal authority to transfer the vehicle: for example, letters testamentary, letters of administration, or a small‑estate affidavit or affidavit of heirship (when permitted).
• A completed application for Iowa title and registration (available from the Iowa DOT or county treasurer).
• Odometer disclosure statement, if applicable (federal/state rules apply for newer vehicles).
• Release of lien paperwork if the vehicle had a lien, or written lienholder consent if the loan was paid off.
• Valid photo ID for the person applying.
• Payment for title/registration fees and any applicable taxes.

4. Use small‑estate procedures when available

Iowa law allows limited non‑probate transfers for small estates or for personal property distributions under certain thresholds and procedures. If you qualify under the small estate rules, you may be able to transfer the car with an affidavit rather than a full probate administration. Check the probate statutes and forms and, if applicable, bring the small‑estate affidavit to the county treasurer or DOT office.

General probate code information: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633.pdf

5. Visit the county treasurer or Iowa DOT service center

After you have the documents, take them to your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or an Iowa DOT service center. The Iowa DOT provides guidance on title transfers and documentation requirements: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicles/vehicle-titles/transfer-title-ownership

6. Pay fees and any taxes

Expect to pay title fees and registration fees. Depending on the transfer and whether a sale occurred, you may also owe state sales/use tax or other transfer taxes. The county treasurer or DOT can provide exact fee amounts and how to pay them.

7. If a lender holds a lien

If there is an outstanding loan on the vehicle, contact the lender. You will need a lien release or payoff information before the title can be issued in a new name. If the estate is paying off the loan, the personal representative handles that as part of estate administration.

8. Timeline and next steps

If all documents are ready, most transfers are handled within the county treasurer or DOT processing time (which can vary). If probate is required, plan for additional time for the court process. Keep copies of every document you file or turn in.

When to consult an attorney

Talk with an attorney if the estate is contested, if you cannot locate the title, if multiple people claim ownership, if there are liens or complicated tax questions, or if you are unsure whether the small‑estate procedure applies. An attorney can help you obtain letters from the probate court or draft an affidavit that meets Iowa requirements.

Helpful Hints

• Always get a certified death certificate from the funeral home or county vital records office rather than a photocopy.
• If you cannot find the title, apply for a duplicate title before trying to transfer ownership.
• Call your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office first — staff can confirm exactly which documents they need and whether small‑estate procedures apply.
• Keep a checklist and copies of everything you submit. Track receipts for any fees paid by the estate.
• Confirm whether the vehicle’s registration needs to be renewed at the same time so you don’t receive late penalties.
• If the vehicle will be sold to a third party, ensure the transfer and any taxes are handled correctly to avoid future liability.
• When in doubt about probate, a short phone consult with a probate attorney can save time and prevent costly mistakes.