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I am executor for Dad's estate. I am not selling this vehicle. The vehicle has out of state plates, meaning I live in a different state. The registration expires Oct 31. The county courthouse will not renew the plate, since Dad is deceased. What forms do I need to fill out and send with Death Certificate to transfer title so, I can keep the license plates current and not expired (need to do this for insurance reasons). This is for a vehicle in the state of Iowa.
Thanks for any assistance.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Isthisrealyreal Oct 2021
Just an FYI. In AZ it is now digital titles. No wait time, no paperwork.

You can request a paper title if you are planning on moving or selling the vehicle.

I still can't wrap my mind around that move.
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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.
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Kimberly88 Oct 2021
Well, apparently I didn't provide enough information. I am only child alive, my mother already passed. I live in different state, and I am the executor of Dad's estate. I have contacted the DMV in the county seat of vehicle, and they will not help me get the title transferred into my name. I cannot go there to do this in person, it is 1,850 miles from my home. I cannot get a title in the state that I reside, since the title is still in Dad's name, and he is deceased due to Covid. I have no assistance with the agency that has to transfer the title to my name in that state. This must be done, before I can get a title for this vehicle in that state that I reside. Insurance is a different problem, as in the state where I live, vehicle must pass emission test and have proof of insurance before allowed to register in this state. I don't know why you gave a reply, if you think this was not a valid question.
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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.
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Cover99 Oct 2021
If OP has siblings, probably, if they sign off on it, then that is one less thing for OP to be concerned with.
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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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Kimberly88 Oct 2021
Hi, the agencies involved that must provide the title are currently being beyond difficult. They will not respond to email requests for assistance, simply stating that I cannot title this vehicle in Dad's state, since I don't live there. I am not stupid, I knew that. I do need the title transferred into my name in his state, so that I can get a clean title with my name on it, in the state where I live. I am stuck now, and really pissed, that the local agency is being so darn judgmental and not helpful. I cannot go there, it is 1,850 miles from my home. I am not allowed to take off work until next July, can't wait that long to solve this problem. Just sucks.
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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.
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