Sole Ownership

• If the vehicle was owned only by the deceased, the documents required to transfer it include the car title, also known as a "pink slip," and proof of the will or trust administrator. If a loan exists on the vehicle, a letter from the lender is required. If there is no will, the beneficiary should visit the state motor vehicle office to complete a form to sign in place of the deceased person.
  
  

Joint Ownership

• Jointly owned vehicles are common between married couples. If you inherit a vehicle from your deceased spouse and you want to keep it, in most states, you will complete the back of the title to remove your spouse's name. Sometimes you may have to transfer the title to yourself by signing as the owner and person to whom the vehicle is being transferred. If there is a loan on the car, it will remain. If you are transferring the vehicle to another person, sign the title and give it to the new owner with a copy of the death certificate and letter from the lender, if any.
  
  

Power of Attorney

• A power of attorney is a legal document that gives a person's decision-making powers to someone else if the person isn't able to take care of his own affairs. The person designated in the POA may make real estate transactions, pay bills with money in a bank account and enter into legally binding contracts on behalf of the other person by signing for them. If the deceased had a POA, the DMV may require that a copy of the notarized POA document be attached to the title for the vehicle transfer.
  
  

Transfer-on-Death

• If the deceased had decided who would inherit the car, a few states offer a way to place the beneficiary on the vehicle title with a transfer-on-death registration. A new transfer-on-death title may be completed to change the beneficiary before someone's death. This type of registration automatically transfers the automobile to the heir of choice upon death. Call your DMV office to find out if this service is offered in your state.