How to transfer title of vehicle since Dad passed? Vehicle is not part of probate.

Hi Kimberly. I belong to AAA and went there to get help (in California, but I assume they are in every state). They were amazing. Told me exactly what I needed to do and how. I was going about it the way I thought I should (i.e., as trustee of trust, relevant forms), but they told me I didn't have to go through that - just as next of kin listed on the death certificate. Then when I had the relevant forms, I went there to take care of the transaction and it was quick and relatively easy. Anyway, please try AAA - join if you have to, it's totally worth it.

Kimberly, I would contact a different DMV if the local one is not being helpful. I know Midwest states are different and do things at a county level but, you could possibly get some help.

Do you have the current title to your dads car? If yes, I would be tempted to sign it as POA/Executor and go to the AZ DMV. Get it Notarized at a UPS store or some other non financial institution and they should be able to transfer everything.

Everything is made so difficult that I don't think employees know what to do, so they give a run around, it is government policy to make everything ambiguous, that way they can make it up as they go.

In my brother's case the vehicle was registered when registration sent to his home as non-operational. The cost was minimal. Actually his car is a part of his estate and should go through probate with all his estate. It's title cannot otherwise be changed. In California, at least, you do not need to have any ID, death certificate etc. to make a car non-operatiional. It is just a box you click and send in the fee. Anyone can pay the fee. For extra information you should call the DMV in the state concerned.

Contact Iowa DMV. I would imagine it will be a 2 step process: 1) you will probably have to re-title the car in Iowa and then 2) use the new title to re-register in your state.

Either call the DMV or go to the Iowa state DMV website, they likely have an FAQ page.

Are you looking to keep the plates current so you can drive it from Iowa to your state? Because it's probably going to take some time to get a new title, which might take you past the 10/31 expiration date; you might want to get the car to where ever it has to go and then let it sit unregistered while you get the paperwork done. If you don't have a private driveway in which to park it without a current registration, many storage facilities will store a vehicle for someone. With Covid, you should not be able to do everything via mail, since that's what they were doing while everyone was under lockdown.

Good luck!

You are taking this car from one State to another? Or, are you keeping it in the State its already registered to?

I agree with the clerk, you cannot keep the plates because they are registered to your Dad. You maybe able to change the title over in the State Dad resides but you will not be able to register it in Dads State unless it remains there. You need to register it in ur home State and insure it there. The only way you can maybe continue to register it in Dads State is if you can prove 6 months residency in his State. Like, you are keeping his home for a vacation home. Once you have the title turned over, pretty sure you have to register it in your name. And Dads tags will need to be turned into the DMV

I too wonder how you can keep this out of probate. Was it left to you in a Will? Are u an only child where everything comes to you?

The first thing you need to do is get the title transferred. Then you need to get it registered and I would do this in person if possible at the DMV. You can call the DMV and ask your questions or go on-line to see if you need to make an appt at ur local office.

And insurance. How does keeping the same plates and registration effect the insurance? I have same insurance but have bought and registered different cars. I just call my insurance company tell them to drop the old car and put on the new car. I think the only info on the policy is the Vin #, make, model and year of the car. I never prove registration. But then each state is different.

And thats ur problem here. We are a forum of Caregivers from all over the US, Canada, UK and other countries. We really can't tell you how things work in your State.

I had to sign an affidavit that said my dad only had less than 75k in assets to be able to transfer the title. If he had more, the vehicle would have gone through probate.

What leads you to believe it's not part of probate? My understanding is that ALL assets go through probate and the items not specifically left to someone get sold and the proceeds go to the beneficiaries equally. Just curious what you have learned.

I would go in person with as many forms you have related to the case,some of which you already mentioned..That would be if you could make the trip These agencies can make your life h$$l.
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Have you looked at the BMV website for Iowa and the state you're in?

You'll probably wind up getting new plates.