How to Transfer a Car Title After Death in Pennsylvania (2026 Guide)
When a family member passes away, transferring ownership of their vehicle can be confusing. Pennsylvania has specific PennDOT procedures for transferring a car title after the owner’s death.
Whether you are a surviving spouse, a family member, or the executor of an estate, understanding the required documents can help prevent delays.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-39?
PennDOT Form MV-39, Notification of Assignment/Correction of Vehicle Title Upon Death of Owner, is used for certain title transfers involving a deceased vehicle owner.
Depending on the circumstances, the transfer may involve a surviving spouse, joint owner, heirs, or the deceased person’s estate.
Form MV-39 is not required for every deceased-owner transfer.
Documents Needed to Transfer a Vehicle Title After Death
Depending on the ownership situation, you may need:
- The original Pennsylvania vehicle title
- An original death certificate or qualifying certification on Form MV-39
- Form MV-39, when applicable
- Form MV-4ST for an applicable ownership assignment
- Pennsylvania identification
- A Short Form Certificate from the Register of Wills if an executor or administrator has been appointed
- A copy of the will, where required
- Vehicle insurance information if registration is requested
- Applicable PennDOT fees
Additional documentation may be required depending on the estate and ownership circumstances.
Transferring a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse
Pennsylvania provides special procedures when a vehicle owner dies and leaves a surviving spouse.
If the vehicle was jointly titled to the married couple, the surviving spouse can generally apply for a corrected title using Form MV-39 without assigning the title to themselves.
PennDOT does not charge a title fee when the title is placed solely in the surviving spouse’s name under the applicable deceased-owner procedure.
If the spouse was not listed on the title, additional documents and signatures may be required.
What Happens When an Executor Is Appointed?
When an executor or administrator has been appointed, they may assign the vehicle title to the new owner.
PennDOT generally requires the assigned vehicle title, a Short Form Certificate establishing the representative’s authority, and Form MV-4ST.
Form MV-39 generally is not required in this situation unless the vehicle is being titled in the estate’s name.
Can a Car Title Be Transferred Without Probate?
Yes, certain Pennsylvania vehicle transfers can be completed without a formally appointed executor or administrator.
Examples include qualifying transfers to surviving spouses, joint owners with survivorship rights, and certain transfers involving heirs.
The requirements depend on the vehicle’s ownership, the existence of a will, and who is legally entitled to transfer the vehicle.
How Much Does a Deceased-Owner Title Transfer Cost in PA?
Fees depend on the type of transfer.
Some transfers to surviving spouses qualify for a title-fee exemption. Other transactions may require title fees, registration transfer fees, applicable taxes, local fees, and an authorized agent’s service charges.
Check PennDOT’s current fee schedule before completing the transaction.
Get Help With Vehicle Title Transfers in Bethlehem, PA
If you need assistance transferring a vehicle title after someone’s death, Taj Notary & Tags in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, can help you review the PennDOT paperwork and identify the documents required for your situation.
We assist customers in Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley with vehicle title and registration services.
Taj Notary & Tags
28 E Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Website: https://tajautotags.com
Contact our office before visiting so we can help determine which documents you should bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my deceased parent's car into my name in Pennsylvania?
Possibly. The requirements depend on whether there is a will, an appointed estate representative, a surviving spouse, or other heirs.
Do I always need Form MV-39?
No. Some transactions require Form MV-39, while others are handled through an executor or administrator and other PennDOT paperwork.
Do all heirs need to sign?
In certain transfers without an appointed estate representative, signatures from the applicable heirs are required. The requirements depend on the family circumstances and PennDOT procedure.
Can I keep the deceased person's license plate?
Pennsylvania allows certain eligible family members to transfer a deceased owner's valid registration plate. The specific relationship and transfer requirements determine eligibility.
Where can I find official PennDOT instructions?
For official instructions on transferring a vehicle title after death in Pennsylvania, visit PennDOT's website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv.html