This guidance will answer some common questions on how to transfer a vehicle title and registration out of your loved one’s name. This guidance does not address all possible scenarios but is intended as a starting point during this difficult time.
Who Can Transfer the Title?
- Person or people identified as the inheritor according to Iowa probate law.
- Person named in a will (or “testate document”).
- New owner chosen by the legal representative.
How to Transfer the Title Out of Your Loved One’s Name
If you are an Iowa resident, you may take the paperwork with application to any county treasurer’s office. If you are not an Iowa resident, in most cases Iowa law does not allow you to receive an Iowa title and you should refer to your home state’s laws.
When an Estate is in Probate
What to bring to the county treasurer:
- Letters of appointment showing the name of the court-appointed legal representative of the estate.
- Vehicle title in the deceased name assigned by the legal representative. The legal representative (executor or administrator) assigns the title to the transferee on the back of the title by the legal representative with signature and printed name as “seller”. If the original title is not available, the legal representative must apply for a replacement title
- Completed Odometer disclosure and damage disclosure when applicable.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Iowa title (form 411007).
- Appropriate fees.
When There's a Will, But the Estate is Not Probated
What to bring to the county treasurer:
- The vehicle title in the deceased person's name, if available.
- A copy of the death certificate or other proof of death.
- Completed Affidavit of Death Testate (with a will) (form 411083). This form is signed by the person entitled to possession and ownership of the vehicle under Iowa law. Note this form is required to issue title with “Actual Mileage” for the odometer. Any other affidavits that provide the necessary information will result in title with “Not Actual Mileage.”
- Completed Odometer disclosure and damage disclosure when applicable.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Iowa title (form 411007).
- Appropriate fees.
When There's No Will and the Estate is Not Probated
What to bring to the county treasurer:
- The vehicle title in the deceased person's name, if available.
- A copy of the death certificate or other proof of death.
- Completed Affidavit of Death Intestate (without a will) (form 411088). This form is signed by the person entitled to possession and ownership of the vehicle under Iowa law. Note this form is required to issue title with “Actual Mileage” for odometer. Any other affidavits that provide the necessary information will result in title with “Not Actual Mileage.”
- Completed Odometer disclosure and damage disclosure when applicable.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Iowa title (form 411007).
- Appropriate fees.
Fees
If ownership is transferred to a surviving spouse of a decedent, title fees are waived and any available registration fees may be transferred. All other cases, fees are imposed to transfer title.