What Happens If Two People Own a Car And One Dies in Nevada

When one of two owners listed on a Nevada vehicle title dies, the process for transferring ownership depends on how the names appear on the title and whether an estate is being probated. Nevada requires that title and registration records be updated promptly to reflect the current legal owner or owners.

Determine How the Names Appear on the Nevada Car Title

The way owner names are listed on a vehicle title affects the title transfer process following an owner's death. The conjunction used to connect the owners' names determines the signature requirements and transfer procedures.

If the Title Shows Survivorship Language

When a title lists two owners joined by "or" or "and/or," either owner may sign the title without the other's consent, and the vehicle may be transferred by one owner acting alone. Upon the death of one owner, the surviving co-owner may apply for a corrected title by providing the death certificate and the current certificate of title. The surviving owner becomes responsible for updating the certificate of title and registration with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If the Title Does Not Show Survivorship Language

When a title lists owners joined by "and" or contains no conjunction between the names, both owners must sign together to transfer the vehicle. Upon the death of one owner, the surviving co-owner cannot transfer the title alone. Instead, the deceased owner's interest in the vehicle becomes part of the estate and is subject to Nevada's probate or small-estate procedures, depending on the estate's total value.

Nevada Car Title Rules After One Owner Dies

Under NRS 482.245, vehicle titles must contain the names and addresses of registered owners. When one co-owner dies, the title must be corrected to reflect the surviving owner's sole ownership or the estate's interest, as applicable.

If the vehicle is titled with survivorship language such as "or" or "and/or," the surviving co-owner may apply for a corrected title by providing the death certificate and the current certificate of title. The DMV accepts the death certificate as sufficient documentation to support the removal of the deceased owner's name and the issuance of a new title in the surviving owner's name alone.

If the title is held without survivorship language, the ownership transfer depends on the applicable probate or small-estate procedure. The surviving co-owner or estate representative must initiate the appropriate process to establish lawful authority to hold or transfer the vehicle's title.

Does a Car Go Through Probate in Nevada if One Owner Dies?

The answer depends on how the vehicle is titled and the total value of the decedent's estate.

If the vehicle is titled with survivorship language, probate is not required. The vehicle interest passes to the surviving co-owner, and only a title correction is needed to document the change.

If the vehicle is titled without survivorship language, probate may or may not be required. Nevada law provides a simplified procedure for small estates that do not include real property. Under NRS 146.080, if the gross value of the decedent's entire estate—excluding real property, motor vehicles, and amounts due for military service—does not exceed specified amounts, the heirs or estate representative may use an affidavit procedure instead of formal probate. The vehicle title can be transferred using the Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Without Probate (VP 024). For surviving spouses, the applicable amount is $150,000; for other claimants, the limit is $25,000.

If the estate value exceeds the small-estate threshold or includes real property, formal probate administration through the courts is required. In a probated estate, the personal representative or executor must provide court-issued letters testamentary or letters of administration to the DMV to establish authority to transfer the title.

How To Transfer a Car Title in Nevada After a Co-Owner Dies

Nevada allows title transfers to be processed at designated county offices, through licensed Nevada motor vehicle dealers, and through certain financial institutions. An applicant may also mail title application documents directly to the department's Title Processing section at the Carson City headquarters.

General Process

The process for transferring a title after a co-owner's death depends on whether the vehicle is titled with survivorship language and whether an estate is being probated.

For vehicles titled with survivorship language, such as "or" or "and/or," the surviving co-owner should gather the current certificate of title and a certified copy of the death certificate. The surviving owner submits the documents to a county licensing office, another designated agent, or by mail to the DMV, along with the required title fee.

For vehicles titled without survivorship language, the surviving co-owner or estate representative must first determine whether the estate qualifies for the small-estate affidavit procedure or requires formal probate. If the small-estate procedure applies, the claimant prepares and signs the Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Without Probate (VP 024), providing the death certificate, proof that 40 days have passed since death, and documentation that the applicable estate value threshold has not been exceeded. If formal probate is required, the personal representative obtains court-issued letters testamentary or letters of administration and submits these documents along with the title and death certificate.

All applications should include complete vehicle identification information and accurate owner names as they appear on driver's licenses or identification documents. The processing time for title transfers typically ranges from four to eight weeks after the DMV receives all required documents and fees.

Applicable Fees

Nevada imposes fees for title changes and related services. The fee structure for vehicle title transfers after the death of a co-owner is as follows:

The title fee for a first-time Nevada title is $28.50. Additional taxes, including Governmental Services Tax, are calculated based on the vehicle's original manufacturer-suggested retail price and are subject to depreciation schedules. Vehicle registration fees are based on vehicle class and weight and vary accordingly.

Surviving Spouse

Nevada does not impose a specific deadline for a surviving spouse to apply for a corrected title after acquiring a vehicle from a deceased spouse. However, state law requires that the title and registration records be updated to reflect current ownership promptly. A surviving spouse who acquires a vehicle through survivorship rights or through a will or estate distribution should apply for a corrected title as soon as practical after obtaining full ownership rights.

Documents Needed to Transfer a Nevada Car Title After Death

The specific documents required depend on whether the vehicle is titled with survivorship language and whether the estate is being probated.

Common Documents

For all vehicle title transfers following a co-owner's death, the following documents are typically necessary:

• Certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased owner(s)
• Current Nevada certificate of title, if available
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle
• Completed application form or transfer documentation submitted to the Department

For vehicles titled with survivorship language, the surviving co-owner submits the current title, the death certificate, and payment of the required fee. The Department issues a new title in the surviving owner's name alone.

For vehicles not titled with survivorship language and qualifying for small-estate treatment under NRS 146.080, the claimant prepares an Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Without Probate (VP 024) and submits it with the death certificate and proof that 40 days have passed since the decedent's death. The affidavit must confirm that the estate value does not exceed the applicable threshold and that notice has been provided to other potential heirs or successors. No court order is required for this procedure.

For vehicles held in a probated estate, the personal representative or executor must provide a certified copy of the court order appointing the personal representative (letters testamentary or letters of administration). These documents establish the authority to transfer the title and may be submitted to the Department along with the current title and death certificate.

If the original title is unavailable, the applicant may request a duplicate title using the Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title (VP 012) and submit it with other required documents and the appropriate fee.

What if There Is a Loan on the Car?

If a lienholder holds a security interest in the vehicle, the lienholder's information on the title application must match the information shown on the current vehicle title and supporting lien documentation. Typically, any loan or lien on the vehicle must be satisfied before a change in ownership can be completed.

The applicant should present the current title and all lien-related documents to the processing office so that both the ownership transfer and lien information can be reviewed together. If the lien is to remain on the vehicle after the ownership change, the applicant must confirm that the lienholder agrees to the transfer and that lien documentation is updated accordingly. In many cases, the lienholder will issue a Lien Release (VP 186) document once the loan obligation is satisfied, allowing the applicant to transfer the title free of the lien.

Contact Information

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711-0250
Phone: (775) 684-4850
Official Website: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles