Transferring a car with a small estate affidavit: the DMV's own forms
Last reviewed: September 14, 2026 · Sources: state statutes and court self-help pages linked from each state page
Cars are the asset most often collected with a small estate affidavit, and the DMV is the holder most likely to have its own form. Bring the title, the death certificate, the state affidavit and the DMV's version.
| California | REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) after 40 days; vehicle value counts toward the $208,850. |
|---|---|
| Michigan | TR-29 (Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle) when the estate is under the small-estate limit; also releases the plate. |
| Indiana | State Form 18733 at the BMV, same $100,000 test. |
| Illinois | Secretary of State form RT OPR 47; vehicles are treated separately from the $150,000 personal estate. |
| Texas | The court-approved small estate affidavit plus Form VTR-262 (Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle) at the county tax office. |
| Arizona, Washington, Colorado | The state affidavit plus the title; Colorado's JDF 999 is accepted by the DMV directly. |
Before you go
- A lien on the title means the lender's payoff or consent comes first.
- Two owners on the title with "or" between them usually means the survivor already owns the car — no affidavit needed.
- Insurance lapses at death in many policies; don't drive the car to the DMV uninsured.
Common questions
Do I need the small estate affidavit and the DMV form?
In most states, both: the DMV's form is what the clerk processes, the state affidavit is what proves you're entitled. Colorado and Arizona accept the state affidavit alone.
Check whether your estate qualifies · Limits by state · All guides