How to renew registration on deceased spouse car

There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.

If a Family Member Has Passed Away

When someone passes away, they often leave outstanding issues that need to be resolved. On this page, you will find information that will help you take care of any issues with the deceased individual’s driver’s license and vehicle registration and title.

If your loved one has passed away, please mail a copy of the death certificate and a photocopy of their license or ID (if you have it) to the DMV. This will prevent further mailings or identity theft. Send mail to the DMV License Production Bureau .

It may be possible to request a refund of the deceased individual’s registration fee. DMV will issue the refund to the name of the estate. To request a refund

• surrender the vehicle plates at a DMV office and request a ‘transfer receipt’, not a ‘refund receipt’
• have the executor of the deceased's estate send these items to the address listed on the request for refund
  • completed and signed Request for Refund (PDF) (MV-215), with "deceased" written on the form
  • a photocopy of the death certificate
  • the transfer receipt
    

  If the estate of the registrant is settled, call the DMV Revenue Accounting Unit at 518-474-0902 to request a 'Next of Kin' form. Send the 'Next of Kin' form, Request for Refund (MV-215), and the transfer receipt to the address on form MV-215. The refund is issued in the name of the next of kin.

  Transfer Ownership of Vehicle (Title)

  Motor Vehicles

  For transfers made by the surviving spouse 'According to the Estates, Powers & Trust Law of New York State,' the owner of one vehicle that has a value of $25,000 or less automatically transfers to the surviving spouse. If the surviving spouse wishes to transfer ownership, they must print the decedent’s name in the “Seller’s Name (Print in Full)” section on the back of the Title and sign their name in the “Seller’s Signature” Section followed by the words “as surviving Spouse”.

  The ownership of one vehicle that has a value of $25,000 or less transfers to the surviving children under the age of 21 if there is no surviving spouse or the spouse is disqualified. The spouse or the legal guardian of one of the children must sign the title certificate. When the spouse or the guardian signs the title certificate, they must indicate the relationship to the deceased owner. A spouse writes the word "spouse" under the signature. A guardian writes "guardian of", and the name and the relationship of the child to the deceased owner (for example, "Charles Edwards, guardian of John Smith, son").

  To transfer ownership of the vehicle to another person, the spouse or guardian must complete an Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicle (PDF) (MV 349.1). The form must be notarized. The spouse or guardian also gives the new owner a photocopy of the death certificate or certification of death. The DMV accepts a photocopy of the death certificate or certification of death. When the new owner applies for a vehicle registration or a title certificate, they must provide form MV-349.1 and the copy of the death certificate or certification of death.

  For transfers made by the Executor or Administrator of the Estate: If there is more than one vehicle or there is one vehicle that has a value of more than $25,000, the vehicle or vehicles become part of the estate. You CANNOT use the Transfer of Vehicle Registered in Name of Deceased Person (PDF) (MV-349) or an Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicle (PDF) (MV 349.1) to transfer the ownership.

  A copy of Letters of Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or Voluntary Administrator’s affidavit from the Surrogate Court MUST be submitted together with the decedent’s title transferred by the person given legal authority in the documents to sign. The Executor or Administrator of the estate must transfer the ownership by signing the title certificate. Under the signature of the Executor or Administrator, write: Executor (or Administrator) of the Estate of, and then enter the deceased owner's name. For example: "Executor of the Estate of Mary Ann Smith".

  Manufactured Homes, Snowmobiles, Boats, Trailers and All Terrain Vehicles

  If the owner is deceased, the Estates, Powers & Trust Law of New York State provides for the transfer of the Manufactured Home, Snowmobile, Boat, Trailer or All Terrain Vehicle only through the property distributions of an estate set up by order of a Surrogate Court. A Surviving Spouse, minor child(ren) or next of kin CANNOT automatically assume ownership. Therefore, a Transfer of Vehicle Registered in Name of Deceased Person (PDF) (MV-349) or an Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicle (PDF) (MV 349.1) cannot be used to transfer a manufactured home, snowmobile, boat, trailer, or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

  A copy of Letters of Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or Voluntary Administrator’s affidavit from the Surrogate Court MUST be submitted together with the decedent’s title transferred by the person given legal authority in the documents to sign. The Executor or Administrator of the estate must transfer the ownership by signing the title certificate. Under the signature of the Executor or Administrator, write: Executor (or Administrator) of the Estate of, and then enter the name of the deceased owner. For example: "Executor of the Estate of Mary Ann Smith".