How to Legally Transfer a Vehicle from a Deceased Owner in Florida

Red and blue vintage cars

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added confusion of handling their assets. One of the most common issues families face is how to legally manage car titles. Every year in Florida, families navigate thousands of probate-related auto transfers, yet many don’t realize how complex it can be. Whether the vehicle is part of an estate or being passed to a surviving family member, understanding the legal process is key. If you’re wondering how to handle a vehicle title transfer after death in Florida, this guide breaks it down in clear steps, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and legal headaches.

First Things First: Understand the Role of Probate

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets, including vehicles, are distributed. In Florida, whether or not a vehicle must go through probate depends on how the title was held and the overall value of the estate.

According to the Florida Bar, if the deceased person’s estate is valued under $75,000, the process may qualify for a simplified probate procedure known as summary administration. If there was a co-owner on the vehicle with “OR” listed between names, the surviving co-owner may automatically inherit the vehicle without probate.

Documents You’ll Need to Transfer the Title

Here’s what you’ll generally need for a vehicle title transfer after death in Florida:

  • Death certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Title of the vehicle
  • Affidavit of Heirship or Probate court order
  • Florida DMV form HSMV 82040(Application for Certificate of Title)
  • Proof of ID from the person inheriting the vehicle
  • Payment for title fees and taxes

If the estate is in probate, you’ll need Letters of Administration from the court. If it qualifies for summary administration, you may need a court order releasing the vehicle instead.

One of the most common mistakes people make is submitting an incomplete application or forgetting required documentation. This can delay your transfer for weeks.

A vintage car requiring registration

Avoiding Common Errors During the Process

It’s easy to overlook small but critical steps when dealing with paperwork while grieving. Here are a few common errors we see often:

  • Submitting a photocopy of the death certificate instead of a certified copy
  • Forgetting to pay the title transfer fee or miscalculating sales tax
  • Failing to update the odometer reading on the HSMV 82040 form
  • Not confirming whether the estate qualifies for summary administration or full probate

That’s where we come in. At Auto Tags & Titles of South Florida, we help families avoid delays and get everything done right the first time.

When You Need an Attorney’s Support

Some vehicle title transfers are simple. Others can get complicated quickly. If the deceased owner left no will or the heirs are in disagreement, it’s a good idea to consult with an estate attorney. We frequently work with attorneys handling probates, wills, and estates, and we’ll make sure the documentation we prepare aligns with legal requirements.

We also support law offices managing vehicle title transfers after a loved one passes away, providing fast processing and documentation support so clients don’t get stuck waiting.

An auto tag expert handing keys to a client

 

We’re Here to Make This Easier

We know this isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about honoring your loved one and moving forward with clarity. That’s why we handle vehicle title transfers after death in Florida with care, accuracy, and fast turnaround. Whether you’re dealing with:

  • An estate under probate
  • A car with no co-owner
  • A vehicle being transferred to a trust
  • A lien release situation

We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to walk you through it.

Need Help with a Title After a Loved One Passes? Start with Us

If you’re struggling with a vehicle title transfer after a loved one’s death in Florida, don’t go it alone. At Auto Tags & Titles of South Florida, we’re experts in estate-related title transfers, lien releases, probate support, and fast processing. We help clients manage everything from out-of-state transfers to local family vehicles.

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We’ve got you covered. Visit our Davie office at 4236 Southwest 64th Avenue, Davie, FL 33314 or fill out this contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.