When a vehicle owner dies and the estate is not probated, the surviving spouse, or, if no spouse, the next closest kin may transfer the vehicle into their name. This is done by presenting the title, the current registration or license plate number (if there is one), and a copy of the death certificate to a Secretary of State Branch Office. The surviving spouse or next closest kin will complete a Certification From the Heir to a Vehicle form (please see the note at the bottom of this page).  If the vehicle is being transferred to the surviving spouse or an immediate family memeber, the license plate may remain on the vehicle. 

If the estate is being probated, the Personal Representative appointed by Probate Court assigns the deceased's title.  If assigned to the deceased's spouse or a family member of the deceased, that person presents the title and a copy of the personal representative's Letter of Authority document at a Secretary of State Branch Office to title the vehicle in their name.  The license plate is inherited by the spouse or next closest kin and remains on the vehicle.

If the vehicle is jointly titled in your name and the deceased's name with "Full Rights To Survivor" printed on it, then all that is needed to transfer the vehicle into your name is the title and a copy of the death certificate.  It does not matter if the deceased's estate is being probated.

Note:   Your situation may differ from the examples provided.  Please check with our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH  (1-888-767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a branch office.