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How Do I Transfer Title to a Spouse When the Car Owner Dies in Missouri?

How Do I Transfer Title to a Spouse When the Car Owner Dies in Missouri?

Q: Can I register a car in my name if my spouse had a lien on it?

Yes, you can register a car in your name even if there is a lien on it. You will need to follow the proper procedures for transferring the title, which may include notifying the lien holder and ensuring that payments continue. It's advisable to contact the lien holder for guidance on their requirements.

Q: Is there a fee for transferring a car title after a spouse's death?

Yes, there is a fee for transferring a car title after a spouse's death. In Missouri, the fee is $11, which includes an $8.50 title fee and a $2.50 processing fee. Make sure to include this payment when you submit your application.

Q: Do I need to go through probate to register my deceased spouse's car?

No, you do not need to go through probate to register a vehicle titled in your deceased spouse's name, as long as it is limited to one vehicle. You can transfer ownership directly to yourself by following the necessary steps.

Q: What if I can't find the title for my deceased spouse's car?

If you cannot find the title for your deceased spouse's car, you may need to apply for a duplicate title through the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will typically need to provide proof of death and identification to obtain a duplicate.

Full question:

Car is titled to wife who has died and there is a lien holder on title. I cannot get car registered in state, still making payments direct since purchase and I don't know how to get car registered in my name.

Category: Automobiles
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Missouri

Answer:

Even if no Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary was named on the title, a surviving spouse or unmarried minor child may transfer ownership of a vehicle (limited to one vehicle) titled in the deceased owner's name without obtaining a probate order. The surviving spouse or minor child must obtain title in their name before assigning ownership to a purchaser.
To apply for title, the surviving spouse or minor child must submit the following items:
· A completed and signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) in the name of the surviving spouse or unmarried minor child;
· The certificate of title in the deceased's name, or with the deceased named as purchaser in the title assignment;
· A photocopy of the proof of death (such as a death certificate or obituary);
· A completed, signed and notarized Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (Form 2305) ; and
· The $11 fee ($8.50 title fee plus $2.50 processing fee).

FAQs

What documents do I need to transfer a car title after my spouse's death?

To transfer a car title after your spouse's death, you will need the following documents: the original certificate of title in your spouse's name, a photocopy of the death certificate or obituary, a completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108), and a notarized Affidavit to Establish Title to Exempt Property (Form 2305).