Short answer: To retitle a vehicle owned by a deceased parent in West Virginia you must first determine how the vehicle was owned (sole name, joint owner, beneficiary designation, or held in trust). If transfer can’t be made by a DMV process for joint owners or beneficiary designation, you will need either a small‑estate transfer or letters appointing a personal representative through probate. In all cases you will present the title (or apply for a new one), a certified death certificate, proof of authority to transfer (affidavit, small‑estate affidavit, or letters), and any lien releases to the West Virginia DMV.

Detailed answer — step‑by‑step

The steps below assume the reader starts with no legal knowledge. Each estate is different; the route you take depends on how the vehicle was titled and whether the estate must go through probate under West Virginia law (Chapter 44) and motor vehicle title rules (Chapter 17C).

1. 1. Locate the vehicle title, keys, and documents

   Find the existing certificate of title, any financing or lien paperwork, the owner’s driver’s license or ID, and the original will if there is one. The title will show whether the vehicle was titled in the deceased’s sole name, jointly with right of survivorship, or shows a named beneficiary.

2. 2. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate

   Order several certified copies from the West Virginia Vital Registration office or the funeral home. The DMV and the probate court accept only certified copies, not photocopies.

3. 3. Determine whether you can avoid probate

   Ask these questions:

   • Was the vehicle titled jointly with right of survivorship? If yes, the surviving joint owner usually can sign for a transfer at the DMV.
   • Is there a beneficiary designation on the title? Follow the DMV’s beneficiary transfer procedure.
   • Is the car in a trust? The successor trustee can transfer title per the trust terms.
   • If none of the above apply, does the estate qualify for a small‑estate transfer under West Virginia probate rules? If yes, you may use an affidavit process rather than full probate.

   West Virginia probate law is codified in Chapter 44 of the West Virginia Code. See the probate code general information here: W. Va. Code, Chapter 44 (Probate). For motor‑vehicle title law see Chapter 17C: W. Va. Code, Chapter 17C (Motor Vehicles).

4. 4. If the estate qualifies for a small‑estate transfer, use the affidavit procedure

   West Virginia law and the probate court may allow transfer of personal property, including vehicles, by a small‑estate affidavit or similar process if the estate value falls under the statutory limit and procedural requirements are met. The affidavit typically requires an itemized value of assets, identification of heirs, and an affidavit sworn before a notary or court official. Check with the county probate court clerk for forms and thresholds.

   Contact your local county probate court or the West Virginia courts site for procedures and forms: West Virginia Judiciary.

5. 5. If probate is required, open an estate and obtain letters of appointment

   If the estate cannot use a small‑estate transfer or if there are creditors, liens, or disputes, you or another heir must file a petition for probate in the county where the decedent lived. The court will appoint a personal representative (executor or administrator) and issue letters testamentary or letters of administration. Those letters prove authority to sign for the estate and transfer title.

6. 6. Prepare and submit DMV paperwork to retitle the vehicle

   Take these common documents to the West Virginia DMV:

   • Original title (if available) or completed application for duplicate title if lost.
   • Certified death certificate.
   • Proof of authority: signed title by surviving joint owner, beneficiary paperwork, trustee documents, small‑estate affidavit, or letters testamentary/administration from the probate court.
   • Lien release(s) if any lienholders existed.
   • Completed DMV title application and odometer disclosure (if required).
   • Identification of the person applying (driver’s license or state ID).
   • Payment for title transfer fee and any required taxes.

   For specific DMV requirements and forms for titling or transfer after death, see the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles: WV DMV — Vehicle Titles & Registration.

7. 7. Pay any applicable fees and taxes

   Expect standard title fees and, depending on county rules, possible local costs. West Virginia may require payment of any outstanding property or vehicle taxes and payment of transfer fees before issuing a new title.

8. 8. Get the new title issued in the heir’s or purchaser’s name

   Once the DMV processes the application and fees, it issues a new certificate of title in the name of the person who received the vehicle (heir, joint owner, or buyer). If you plan to sell the vehicle after retitling, clear evidence of marketable title (no unresolved liens, correct documentation) will speed the sale.

A short hypothetical example

Suppose your parent owned a car titled only in their name and died leaving a spouse and two adult children. You find the title and obtain a certified death certificate. The estate is modest, and the family qualifies for a small‑estate transfer under county procedures. You complete a small‑estate affidavit naming yourself as the heir of the vehicle, present the affidavit, death certificate, and title to the DMV, pay the transfer fee, and the DMV issues a new title in your name. If instead the estate had multiple claims or did not meet the small‑estate rules, a probate filing and letters of administration would have been required first.

Helpful Hints

• Start by locating the original title and the decedent’s legal documents. That often determines the quickest path.
• Order several certified death certificates at once; multiple agencies may request them.
• Contact the county probate clerk early to learn small‑estate thresholds and required forms.
• If a lender holds a lien, obtain a lien release or payoff statement before attempting to retitle.
• Don’t sign over or move a vehicle until you have the right documents. Doing so can complicate ownership and liability.
• If heirs disagree about who gets the vehicle, seek court guidance or consult an attorney before transferring title.
• Keep copies of all filings, filings receipts, and correspondence for the estate file.
• When in doubt about probate or disputes, consult an attorney who handles West Virginia probate and estate administration.

Useful resources

• West Virginia Code, Chapter 44 — Probate
• West Virginia Code, Chapter 17C — Motor Vehicles
• WV DMV — Vehicle Titles & Registration
• West Virginia Judiciary (probate court information)