(1) What titling options are available when a vehicle owner is deceased?

(a) The vehicle can be titled in the name of the estate; or

(b) The vehicle ownership may be released by a personal representative and transferred into the name of a new owner; or

(c) The surviving owner may transfer into their name if joint tenancy was indicated on the certificate of ownership.

(2) How can a vehicle be titled in the name of the estate of the deceased? The signature of a personal representative as described in RCW 11.02.005(1) is required to release interest for the deceased owner. The vehicle may then be titled and licensed in the name of the estate of the deceased pending final settlement of the estate. A copy of the court order appointing or confirming the personal representative must be attached to the application for certificate of ownership.

(3) How will the name of the estate be shown on the certificate of ownership? The name will be shown as "Estate of (deceased's name)."

(4) What do I need as documentation to release or transfer interest in a vehicle acquired from an estate of a deceased person?

If the estate is:

(a) Administered:

(i) Letters of testamentary; or

(ii) Letter of administration; or

(iii) Certificate of county clerk.

(b) Joint tenants with rights of survivorship:

Copy of death certificate.

(c) Community property:

(i) Copy of the death certificate; and

(ii) A copy of the community property agreement.

(d) Not administered:

(i) Copy of death certificate; and

(ii) Affidavit of inheritance; or

(iii) Affidavit of succession.