Field guides/4 min
Retitling a car after a death
The DMV wants a certified copy, the title, and whatever heirship paper your state uses. Photocopies bounce.
The usual stack
Certified death certificate, the original title, your ID, and either letters testamentary, a small-estate affidavit, or a surviving-spouse form. Joint title with right of survivorship is the easy case. You still need the certificate, but you may skip probate.
Do not sell the car first
A buyer, a dealer, and the DMV will all stop you if the title is still in the decedent’s name. Get the certified copy, then the title transfer, then the sale. Order a dedicated copy for the DMV; they often keep it.