Step-by-step: Retitling a Deceased Parent’s Car in Ohio

Short answer: To retitle a vehicle that belonged to a deceased parent in Ohio you must first determine how the vehicle is owned (sole name, joint owner, or with a beneficiary designation), then follow the Ohio Probate/BMV steps that apply — that may include presenting a death certificate and a probate document (executor’s certificate, letters testamentary, small estate affidavit, or court order) to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This article explains the common paths and the documents you will likely need.

Disclaimer

This information is educational only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. For advice about your situation, consult an attorney or your local probate court.

Detailed answer — how this works under Ohio law

1. Identify how the vehicle was titled

Start with the title document. Look for:

• Whether the car is titled solely in your parent’s name.
• Whether there is a joint owner listed (and whether that joint owner has rights of survivorship).
• Any language indicating a beneficiary or a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation.

If the vehicle was jointly titled and the co-owner survives, the survivor usually becomes the owner automatically — but the BMV may still require proof such as the death certificate and the surviving owner’s ID.

2. If the vehicle is solely in the deceased parent’s name

There are three common paths to retitle the vehicle in Ohio:

1. Transfer by will/probate (executor or administrator): If the estate goes through probate and you are appointed executor or administrator (letters testamentary or letters of administration), present those letters plus the death certificate and the title to the BMV. The probate document shows your authority to transfer estate property.
2. Small estate procedures: If the estate qualifies as a “small estate,” Ohio has simplified procedures that often allow transfer of personal property (including vehicles) without full probate. The small estate rules and affidavits may let you transfer the vehicle by presenting a sworn affidavit and the death certificate. See Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2113 for small‑estate and descent rules: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter/2113.
3. Court order: If there is a dispute, creditor claims, or other complications, you may need a court order authorizing transfer. A probate judge can issue an order directing the BMV to retitle the vehicle.

3. Common documents the Ohio BMV will require

When you go to the Ohio BMV to retitle the car, bring originals or certified copies of:

• The vehicle title (or the title number if the title is lost).
• Certified death certificate for the decedent.
• Proof of your authority to transfer the vehicle — e.g., letters testamentary, letters of administration, small estate affidavit, or court order.
• Your valid photo ID (driver license or state ID).
• Any lien release if the vehicle had an outstanding lien.
• Completed BMV forms required for title transfer; the BMV may have a specific affidavit or title assignment form for transfers after death.

Confirm required documents with the Ohio BMV before you go: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov. Vehicle-title and probate rules appear in the Ohio Revised Code at Chapter 4505 (motor vehicle titles): https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter/4505.

4. Taxes, fees, and liens

Expect to pay title transfer fees at the BMV. Whether sales/use tax applies depends on the nature of the transfer. Transfers because of inheritance or probate are often treated differently than retail sales — check with the BMV or county tax office. If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must release the lien or remain on the new title until satisfied.

5. Timing and practical issues

Retitling cannot usually occur until you can produce the death certificate and proof of authority. If the estate is in probate, the probate clerk’s office can tell you when letters issue. If the decedent left no will, the court will appoint an administrator before property can be transferred under probate procedures.

6. Lost title or no documents

If the paper title is lost, you can apply for a replacement title through the BMV. If ownership is contested or documents are missing, you may need a probate court order resolving ownership before the BMV will retitle the vehicle.

Helpful Hints

• Contact the local probate court clerk. They can explain whether probate is needed and how to obtain the documents the BMV requires.
• Call or check the Ohio BMV website before a visit so you know exactly which forms and fees apply: Ohio BMV.
• If you find a “Transfer on Death” beneficiary on the title, that person may be able to transfer title with the death certificate and beneficiary forms; verify this with the BMV.
• Keep a certified copy of the death certificate (probate and BMV usually require certified copies rather than photocopies).
• If a lien exists, contact the lienholder early to find out what payoff or release documents are needed.
• Don’t sign the title over if you don’t have legal authority. Doing so can cause disputes or liability.
• If the estate or vehicle value is substantial or family members disagree, consult a probate attorney to avoid future disputes.

Where to get reliable help

• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov
• Ohio Revised Code — vehicle titles and probate chapters: R.C. Chapter 4505 and R.C. Chapter 2113
• Your county probate court clerk — for local procedures, forms, and filing instructions.

If you want, tell me whether your parent left a will, whether the vehicle is jointly titled, or whether the estate is already in probate. With those facts I can outline the likely next steps and a short checklist you can bring to the BMV.