Detailed answer — step-by-step overview

This section explains the typical steps families use in Iowa to move a vehicle owned by a deceased parent into the surviving parent’s name when the original paper title cannot be found. The two legal frameworks you will likely use are: (1) motor-vehicle title procedures through the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), and (2) the small‑estate or summary succession processes in Iowa probate law if formal probate is not required. See Iowa law for details on probate (Iowa Code chapter 633) and motor-vehicle rules (Iowa Code chapter 321).

1. Confirm ownership and check for joint title or liens.

   Look for any records that show how the vehicle was titled: a bill of sale, registration, bank records, or insurance documents. If the vehicle was titled jointly with right of survivorship (names joined with “and” vs. “or” can matter), the surviving spouse may become the owner automatically. Also verify whether there is a lien recorded on the title—if so, the lienholder must be satisfied or involved in the transfer.

2. Obtain a certified copy of the death certificate.

   Most offices will require a certified death certificate to prove the owner’s death. You can get certified copies through the county vital records office where the death occurred.

3. Determine whether you can use a small‑estate procedure or must open probate.

   Iowa has summary and small‑estate procedures to transfer personal property without full probate when statutory conditions are met. If the estate qualifies, an affidavit or other summary document may allow transfer of personal property (including a vehicle). Check Iowa probate law (Iowa Code chapter 633) to confirm whether your situation fits the statutory requirements and thresholds. For statutes and guidance see: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633.pdf

4. Use the Iowa DOT process for transferring or obtaining a duplicate title.

   If you do not have the original title, the Iowa DOT and the county treasurer’s office handle duplicate titles and transfers after death. Typical documentation the county treasurer will request includes:

   • Certified death certificate for the decedent;
   • A sworn affidavit establishing the right to transfer (this may be a small‑estate affidavit, an heirship affidavit, or another DOT‑acceptable affidavit);
   • Proof of identity for the person receiving the title (the surviving parent);
   • Any title application forms required by the county treasurer or Iowa DOT; and
   • Payment for title, registration, and duplicate-title fees.

   For DOT guidance on vehicle title transfers, forms, and county office contacts, see the Iowa DOT vehicle titles page: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicles/vehicle-titles

5. Complete the required affidavit or small‑estate paperwork.

   If the estate qualifies for a small‑estate transfer, you will typically prepare a sworn affidavit describing the decedent, listing the heirs, stating the vehicle and its estimated value, and declaring that no probate is pending. The county treasurer and DOT will advise what form they accept. If the estate does not qualify for a summary procedure, you may need to open probate or obtain letters testamentary/letters of administration before title transfer.

6. Submit paperwork to the county treasurer or Iowa DOT office.

   Bring or mail the required documents to the county treasurer’s motor-vehicle office. The treasurer’s office issues or reissues titles and performs transfers. If a duplicate title is issued in the decedent’s name, you can then complete the normal title transfer to the surviving parent. Expect to pay title and recording fees.

7. If there is a dispute among heirs or creditors, consider probate or legal help.

   If heirs disagree about who should receive the vehicle, if creditors claim against the estate, or if the value or ownership is unclear, you may need full probate or a court order. In complicated cases, consult a probate attorney.

Key legal resources to check:

• Iowa Code — probate and small estate provisions (chapter 633): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/633.pdf
• Iowa Code — motor vehicle and title provisions (chapter 321): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.pdf
• Iowa DOT — vehicle titles and transfers: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/vehicles/vehicle-titles

Helpful hints

• Start with the county treasurer’s motor-vehicle office. They commonly handle title issues after death and can tell you which affidavit form they accept.
• Get several certified death certificates: agencies and title offices often require originals.
• Search for a lost title before applying for a duplicate. Check the decedent’s paperwork, files, safe, glove compartment, insurance, or lender files.
• If the vehicle was jointly titled with your parents, check how the names are written. Joint ownership or “right of survivorship” language can allow an immediate transfer without probate.
• If there is a recorded lien, contact the lienholder. The lien typically must be released or satisfied before a clean title is issued.
• Keep clear records of every step and every document you submit. Take copies and get receipts for filings and fee payments.
• If the county treasurer asks for a probate court order, you will need to open a probate estate and obtain letters of appointment from the Iowa district court in the county where the decedent lived.
• If more than one person claims the vehicle or the estate might be contested, consult a probate attorney early to avoid mistakes that can delay transfer.