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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Families of Recently Deceased

We understand this is a difficult time. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is here to help you take care of important vehicle and identification matters after the death of a loved one—clearly, respectfully, and with as little stress as possible.

Below you’ll find the steps to take regarding the deceased person’s driver’s license or ID card, and what to do if a vehicle needs to be kept, transferred, or sold.

 

How the MVA Is Notified

The MVA is electronically notified by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) when a death certificate for a Maryland resident is filed. The MVA then matches that information with its records.

If an exact match is found, the person’s record is updated to show they are deceased. This helps prevent identity fraud and protects the individual’s identity.

 

What to Do With the Driver’s License or MVA ID Card

Please return or destroy the deceased person’s Maryland driver’s license or MVA identification card as soon as possible.

You can return it:

  • In person at any MVA branch office, or
  • By mail to the Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD)

Be sure to include: the individual’s date of death.

This is an important safety step to help prevent identity fraud.

 

Selling or Transferring a Vehicle Owned by the Deceased

If the deceased owned a vehicle, the process depends on how the vehicle was titled and who is receiving it.

You may want to:

  • Keep the vehicle
  • Transfer it to a family member
  • Sell or gift it to someone else
  • Transfer it as part of the estate

The law requires certain steps to protect the rights of heirs. While these transactions aren’t routine, they are usually straightforward.

If you’re unsure, it may help to speak with an attorney or contact the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived.

If the Vehicle Was Jointly Owned (You Are the Surviving Owner)

If You Want to Keep the Vehicle

  • Apply for a new title before the current registration expires.
  • Complete the Assignment of Ownership and Application for Title and Registration on the back of the title.
  • Bring a certified copy of the death certificate or the MVA letter (VR-278 or VR-264P).
  • If the transfer is between spouses or between parent and child, you may be able to transfer the existing tags. Otherwise, new tags are required.
  • If there is a lien:
    • List the lien on the title, or
    • Provide a lien release or authorization letter from the lienholder.
  • No Maryland safety inspection is required if you are keeping the vehicle.

If You Want to Sell or Give the Vehicle to Someone Else

  • Complete the Assignment of Ownership on the title.
  • Give the buyer:
    • The title
    • A certified copy of the death certificate or MVA letter (VR-278 or VR-264P)
    • A lien release (if applicable)
  • The buyer must take these documents to the MVA to register the vehicle.
  • A Maryland safety inspection is required for used vehicles being sold or transferred.

If You Want to Give the Vehicle to an Immediate Family Member

  • Complete the Assignment of Ownership on the title.
  • The family member will need:
    • The title
    • A certified copy of the death certificate or MVA letter
    • A Gift Certification form (VR-103)
    • A lien release (if applicable)
    • Proof of relationship if last names are different
  • No safety inspection is required if the transfer is between parent and child, spouses, or surviving joint owners.

If the Vehicle Was Owned Only by the Deceased

You will need to contact the Register of Wills in the county where the deceased lived to confirm you have the proper documents (such as legal heir certification or letters of administration).

When presenting documents to the MVA:

  • Only the original letters of testamentary or administration are accepted
  • These must have the raised seal from the Register of Wills

If You Are a Legal Heir, Legatee, or Distributee

  • A legal heir inherits under law (often a relative).
  • A legatee is named in the will.
  • A distributee is entitled to share in the estate.

To transfer the vehicle:

  • Complete the Assignment of Ownership on the title
  • Include the original letters of administration
  • Make sure the administrator’s full name and address are provided

If You Are the Executor or Administrator of the Estate

If you are selling the vehicle:

  • Complete the Assignment of Ownership on the title
  • Fill in the buyer’s full name, address, and purchase price
  • Present the original letters of testamentary or administration with the title
  • If there is a lien:
    • Provide a lien release or
    • A letter authorizing the sale from the lienholder
  • New tags must be purchased
  • A Maryland safety inspection is required

Excise Tax

  • The excise tax is 6.5% of the fair market value or purchase price of the vehicle.
  • If a deceased person’s Maryland-titled vehicle is transferred to a surviving spouse, legal heir, legatee, or distributee, no excise tax is due.

Need Help?

We know these steps can feel overwhelming during a difficult time. The MVA is here to help clarify your situation and guide you through the right process.

Contact MVA / Schedule Appointment