Titling an Inherited Vehicle

Please Note: Under normal circumstances, the information provided below is required to process a name change due to inheritance. Other documentation may be required upon review of paperwork at the tag office.  

Non-Probated Will/No Will

If the vehicle has a Georgia title and the inheritor is not a Georgia resident, the inheritor must apply for a title in their state of residency.

If you are a Gwinnett resident and need to apply for a Georgia title on a vehicle you are inheriting and there is a non-probated will, the following are required:

• Current Original Title
  • Georgia title – The title submitted must be issued in the name of the deceased owner(s).
  • If the Georgia title is in the name of the deceased owner(s) and is not available, a Georgia title can be applied for in the inheritor’s name, as long as the current/valid vehicle registration is submitted.
  • Out-of-state title – The out of state title issued must reflect the Georgia resident’s name inheriting the vehicle or the Executor.
  • If the vehicle is titled in another state in the deceased owner’s name and the title is not available, the inheritor(s) must apply for a title following the inheritance procedures of the state where the last title was issued. 
  • A title is required for all motor vehicles 1986 and newer.

• Title Application (MV-1)
  • All inheritors of the vehicle must sign the title application.
  • If any inheritor is not able to visit the tag office, the form can be filled out online, printed and signed.
  • The original title application must be submitted.

• A Certified Copy of the Death Certificate

• A Certified Copy of the Non-Probated Will

• Affidavit of Inheritance (Only used for Georgia title transfers) 
  • The form must be completed in the inheritor’s name(s).
  • The inheritor(s) must sign the form and it must be notarized.
  • If all inheritors are present at the tag office with a valid Georgia driver’s license (DL) or Georgia identification (ID) card, the form can be signed and notarized at the tag office.
  • The original form must be submitted.

• Lien/Security Interest Release
  • Any liens or security interests shown on the current title must be released 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 inheritor(s) will need to contact the lien or security interest holder to request the name change on the title.

• Valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID of the Current Titled Owner(s)
  • All inheritors must present a valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID.
  • If an inheritor is not able to visit the tag office, a legible photocopy is required.

Probated Will

You can change the name on a title when the deceased vehicle owner(s) had a will that was probated, and you are named as the executor on the Letter of Testamentary.  If there is more than one executor named, one of the executors can title the vehicle without requiring the signature(s) of all named executors.

If you are a Gwinnett resident and need to apply for a Georgia title on a vehicle that you are inheriting where the will has been probated and you have been named executor, the following documents are required:  

• Current Original Title
  • Georgia title – The title being submitted must be issued in the name of the deceased owner(s).
  • If the Georgia title is currently in the name of the deceased owner(s) and is not available, a Georgia title can be applied for in the executor’s name, as long as the current/valid vehicle registration is submitted.
  • Out-of-state title – If the vehicle is titled in another state, the out-of-state title issued in the name of the deceased owner(s) must be submitted.
  • If the vehicle is titled in another state in the deceased owner’s name and the title is not available, the inheritor(s) must apply for a title following the inheritance procedures of the state where the last title was issued.
  • A title is required for all motor vehicles 1986 and newer.
• Title Application (MV-1)
  • The executor must sign the title application.
  • If the executor is not able to visit the tag office, the form can be filled out online, printed and signed.
  • The original title application must be submitted.
• Letter of Testamentary, Permanent Letter of Administration or Year’s Support issued by the court
  • The Letter of Testamentary or the Permanent Letter of Administration, listing the name of the executor must be submitted.
  • If  the Year’s Support paperwork is submitted, the person granted the Year’s Support must title the vehicle in their name.
  • The Year’s Support paperwork must show a complete description of the vehicle (year, make and vehicle identification number).
• Lien/Security Interest Release
  • Any liens or security interests shown on the current title must be released 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 inheritor(s) will need to contact the lien or security interest holder to request the name change on the title.
• Valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID Card of the Current Titled Owner(s)
  • The executor must present a valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID.
  • If the executor is not able to visit the tag office, a legible photocopy is required.

Other Information

An $18 fee is required for the name change on the title. Title tax may be due when transferring ownership of the inherited vehicle; determine the amount.

If a Georgia license plate must be issued, a Georgia emissions test, Georgia insurance and a valid Georgia DL or Georgia ID card is required. Proof of residency is required if the Georgia DL or Georgia ID card 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 you would like to request a name change on a title, visit any of the Gwinnett tag offices. 

Updated 8/7/2024