Deceased Vehicle Owners
If you need to handle a vehicle titled in a deceased individual's name, you will need to legally transfer ownership into the new owner's name.
Note: Do not renew vehicle registrations under the deceased person’s name. When you officially transfer ownership of the vehicle, the registration will be changed as well.
In addition to the specific requirements listed below, you can view all other standard documentation needed to complete a vehicle transfer on our Documents Checklist. Depending on your specific situation, you will either use a TC-569C, Survivorship Affidavit or formal Court Documents.
Using the TC-569C, Survivorship Affidavit
To utilize the Survivorship Affidavit, the estate must meet all the legal requirements outlined in Utah Code §75-3-1201:
- At least 30 days must have passed since the decedent’s date of death.
- The decedent cannot have left more than a total of four motor vehicles, boats, trailers, or semi-trailers.
- The total value of the entire estate subject to administration (excluding the vehicles mentioned above, less liens and encumbrances) cannot exceed $100,000.
- No appointment of a personal representative has been granted or is currently pending.
- There must be no active lienholder on the vehicle.
Using Court Documents (Probate)
- If the estate does not meet all the TC-569C, Survivorship Affidavit requirements listed above, it must go through the probate process.
- After an estate has gone through probate, the court will issue documentation signed by a judge that officially authorizes a representative for the estate.
- This authorized representative will be the person responsible for signing the title on behalf of the deceased individual.
- You must present this official court documentation to the DMV to complete the transfer.
Handling Multiple Owners on a Title
If there were two owners listed on the existing title, your next steps depend on whether their names are joined by "OR" or "AND":
| Ownership Scenario | Names Joined by "OR" | Names Joined by "AND" |
|---|---|---|
|
Both owners are deceased |
You will only need survivorship documentation for one of the individuals. |
You will need survivorship documentation for both of the individuals. |
|
One owner is deceased (Surviving owner is selling/releasing ownership) |
The surviving owner can release ownership on the title with just their signature. |
The surviving owner can release ownership on the title with their signature, but will also need to supply survivorship documentation for the deceased individual. |
|
One owner is deceased (Surviving owner is keeping the vehicle) |
The surviving owner can simply request a [title correction: new page I submitted a ticket for 06/30] to remove the deceased individual’s name. |
The surviving owner must request a title correction to remove the name, as well as supply survivorship documentation on behalf of the deceased. |
How to Sign the Title
When signing the vehicle title or a Utah Duplicate Title Application as the seller, you must sign using the specific format below:
Format: [Deceased Person's Name] by [Your Name] as survivor
* Example: John Doe by Jane Doe as survivor
Additional Information
For more information about trusts or title corrections see our title corrections page.