Selling an Inherited Vehicle

Please Note: Under normal circumstances, the information provided below is required to transfer ownership of an inherited vehicle. Other documentation may be required upon review of paperwork at the tag office.  

If you have inherited a vehicle that is currently titled in Georgia, and you wish to sell it, you must first follow Georgia inheritance procedures. 

With No Will/Non-Probated Will

• If the vehicle has a Georgia title with only one owner listed and they are deceased and did not have a will, and you are the inheritor, you can sell the vehicle by first titling the vehicle in your name by following the Georgia inheritance procedures. Once the vehicle is titled in the inheritor’s name, the vehicle can be sold. 

• If there are two or more owners listed on the Georgia title and all are Georgia residents and one of the owners is deceased and did not have a will, the surviving owner must title the vehicle into their name prior to selling the vehicle (unless the title has a Joint Rights of Survivorship brand).   

• If there are two or more owners listed on the Georgia title and all are Georgia residents and deceased and they did not have a will, the inheritor of the vehicle must title the vehicle in their name. Once the vehicle is titled in the inheritor’s name, it can be sold by the inheritor. 

• If the vehicle has a Georgia title and the inheritor(s) or the surviving owner(s) is not a Georgia resident, the inheritor(s) or surviving owner(s) must apply for a title in their state of residency prior to selling or transferring the title to a Georgia resident. 

With a Probated Will

If you reside in Gwinnett and have purchased a vehicle with a Georgia title with two or more owners and one of the owners is deceased and they had a probated will, the following documents must be submitted in order to change the name on the title:  

• Surviving owner(s) must sign the title as seller.
• The executor listed on the Letters of Testamentary must also sign the back of the title as seller on behalf of the deceased owner.
• If there is more than one executor, only one is required to sign as seller.
• If the vehicle is titled in another state in the deceased owner's name and the title is not available, the executor must apply for a title following the inheritance procedures of the state where the last title was issued. 
• All buyers must sign the title.
• A title is required for all 1986 and newer motor vehicles.

• The executor must provide the buyer(s) with a certified copy of the Letters of Testamentary. 

• All buyers must sign the title application.
• If any buyer is not able to visit the tag office, the form can be filled out online, printed and signed.
• The original application must be submitted.

• Any liens or security interests shown on the current title must be released in order for the name change to be processed.
• The lien or security interest may be released on the front of the title in the Release of Lien area or a Lien Release form can be completed by the lien or security interest holder.  The original form must be submitted.
• If any lien or security interest has not been satisfied, the surviving owner or executor of the estate needs to contact the lien or security interest holder to determine what is required to change ownership.

• All buyers must present a valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID.
• If any buyer is not able to visit the tag office, a legible photocopy is required.

Other Information

An $18 fee is required to title the vehicle in the new owner's name(s). Title tax may be due when transferring ownership of the inherited vehicle.

If a Georgia license plate must be issued, a Georgia emissions test, Georgia insurance and a valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID card are all required.  Proof of residency is required if the Georgia DL or ID does not have a current Gwinnett address. Ad valorem tax and tag registration fees must be paid, if applicable.
 
If you are a Gwinnett resident and have any questions concerning your situation, contact us at Tag@gwinnettcounty.com or 770-822-8818 or visit any Gwinnett County tag office. 

For more information on obtaining a Georgia DL or ID, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
 

 Updated 8/7/2024