Deal with a vehicle in Virginia
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.
Vehicle Jointly titled with Right of Survivorship
A vehicle may be jointly owned with rights of survivorship. A joint owner with right of survivorship is indicated by an “or” between vehicle owners or the words “or survivor” after the names. If one party is deceased, the living owner must apply for the certificate of the title. The living owner must bring the following to the DMV:
A certified or notarized death certificate
The vehicle title
If the existing title is lost or has been stolen, an ‘Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles” (Form VSA 67) must be completed and submitted
The appropriate title transfer fee
Titled to Deceased Only, No Appointed Executor or Administrator
If the vehicle is transferred to a spouse or heir, or under will, a sales and use tax is not required. The inheritor must bring the following to the DMV:
A certified or notarized death certificate
The vehicle title
One of the following:
A copy of the will and a completed “Authority to Transfer Virginia Title Certification” (Form VSA 24) or
An affidavit indicating the deceased’s estate is valued less than $50,000 and thus falls under small estate laws or
A completed “Authority to Transfer Virginia Title Certification” (Form VSA 24)
Proof of Address
The appropriate title transfer fee
Titled to Deceased Only, Estate Executor or Administrator Has Been Appointed
The named executor or administrator must bring the following to the DMV:
A certified or notarized death certificate
The vehicle title
A court-issued document or will appointing the executor or administrator
Proof of Address
The appropriate title transfer fee