Can I retitle a vehicle my deceased partner owned?
12
3
If the motorcycle is only in your partner’s name, you generally cannot transfer it into your name unless there’s a will gifting it to you. If their name is the only name on the title, the bike is owned by the estate and would go to the legal heirs.
If you jointly own the other vehicles, bring a copy of the death certificate to your local DMV, and they can remove the deceased party and reissue new titles in your name only.
There isn’t much you can do legally if ownership is solely in his name. You can’t retitle or sell it because you don’t legally own it. You could notify the heirs in writing that if they don’t claim it you will consider it abandoned and dispose of it, and you could sell it for parts — but there isn’t a legal process here to make you the legal owner absent their consent or a court action.
Upvote if this is a clear answer
Downvote if this is not a clear answer
Full Conversation
What's the procedure to change the name on a vehicle title after the person has passed away without a will?
I’m sorry to hear that. Have you obtained a death certificate?
Yes, I have the death certificate.
Do you have legal documentation proving your relationship to the deceased?
We were together for 26 years (unmarried). All vehicles were in both names except the motorcycle — there’s no legal documentation showing we both owned the motorcycle.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with transferring the vehicle title.
His heirs (two daughters) were contacted by registered mail about his passing, and they never contacted me regarding his possessions, so I’m not sure what to do now.
I’ve read your post and I’m sorry for your loss. If you prefer a phone call, you can request it now via the pop-up, and you’ll be transferred to another expert.
That's okay.
If the motorcycle is only in your partner’s name, you generally cannot transfer it into your name unless there’s a will gifting it to you. If their name is the only name on the title, the bike is owned by the estate and would go to the legal heirs.
If you jointly own the other vehicles, bring a copy of the death certificate to your local DMV, and they can remove the deceased party and reissue new titles in your name only.
There isn’t much you can do legally if ownership is solely in his name. You can’t retitle or sell it because you don’t legally own it. You could notify the heirs in writing that if they don’t claim it you will consider it abandoned and dispose of it, and you could sell it for parts — but there isn’t a legal process here to make you the legal owner absent their consent or a court action.
I have decided to go another route. Thank you.
I realize it’s frustrating, and I’m sorry there isn’t a better legal option here. You’re very welcome — glad I could help.
