Deal with a vehicle in Utah

You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

If there is no appointed administrator, the decedent left less than four vehicles, and the estate does not exceed $100,000, the surviving inheritor is able to transfer the vehicle title without going through probate. After at least thirty days have elapsed since the death of the owner, the surviving heir must bring the following to the DMV (you can schedule a DMV appointment here):

• The title

• A completed Survivorship Affidavit (Form TC-569C)

• A copy of the Death Certificate

Otherwise, the estate must go through the probate process, and probate court will assign title ownership.

For more information on the required documentation for each title transfer pathway, contact the DMV Customer Service Department Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 801-297-7780 or 1-800-368-8824.

If you need assistance with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.