Transfer a Car Title After Death in Oregon (Inheritance Affidavit 735-516)
Figures verified November 12, 2026 against Oregon DMV: Form 735-516, Inheritance Affidavit (7-26) · Update log
Short answer
If the estate has not been and won't be probated, every heir signs Oregon DMV's Inheritance Affidavit (form 735-516) before a notary, naming the person the car goes to. Send it with the title, an application for title and the title fee. There is no value limit on the affidavit; if the estate is probated, the personal representative signs instead.
Oregon car title rules at a glance
| Form | Form 735-516, Inheritance Affidavit |
|---|---|
| Who signs | Every heir under Oregon's inheritance law (ORS chapter 112), on one affidavit or on separate ones. A parent or guardian signs for a minor or incapacitated heir. |
| Notarized? | Yes. The notary doesn't have to be in Oregon. |
| Waiting period | None set on the affidavit. |
| Value limit | None on the Inheritance Affidavit. |
| Death certificate | Not asked for on the affidavit. A surviving owner on a survivorship title sends proof of death, such as a copy of the death certificate. |
| Where to file | Oregon DMV, with the title, the application for title and the fee. |
Which route fits you
Start at the top: the first route that matches the title and the estate is the one Oregon DMV expects. Each needs different paperwork.
1. The title shows survivorship
If DMV issued the title with survivorship, the surviving owner can transfer the car with proof of the other owner's death.
- The survivor sends the title and proof of death: a copy of the death certificate, a court document naming the owner as deceased, or a police report.
- If every owner on a survivorship title has died, the estate of the one who died last handles the car (probate letters, or the Inheritance Affidavit if it isn't probated).
2. No probate: the Inheritance Affidavit (735-516)
Use it when the estate has not been and won't be probated. All the heirs sign and name the person the car goes to: one of them, or a buyer.
- Fill in the person's name, date of death and the vehicle's plate, year, make and VIN.
- List any heirs who are signing a separate affidavit. If there are no other heirs, leave that space blank.
- Name the person the car is assigned to. If heirs sign separate affidavits, each one must name that person.
- Every heir signs before a notary. A parent or guardian signs for a minor heir, with guardianship papers if a guardian signs.
- Send the affidavit with the title, an application for title and the title fee. Don't alter or white out anything on the form.
3. Oregon's simple estate affidavit
DMV also accepts an application for title when the car was settled by a simple estate affidavit filed in the county, for estates up to $75,000 of personal property.
- Send the title application with the simple estate paperwork. DMV Customer Assistance can tell you what it needs.
4. The estate is probated
If the estate is being probated, the personal representative appointed by the court releases the person's interest.
- Send copies of the letters testamentary or equivalent court papers appointing the personal representative.
- The personal representative signs off the person's interest on the title or a separate bill of sale. If the court appointed more than one, each signs.
- If the estate was probated and has closed, send a copy of the decree of final distribution showing who got the car.
Oregon probate court: Circuit Court. The executor's papers: Letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without one). See how executors get letters.
Optional: get help filing
Get a flat-fee quote for the estate's tax returns
The final Form 1040, the estate's Form 1041 and any state return are the parts executors most often hand off. Leave your email and the rough estate size, and a CPA or Enrolled Agent who prepares estate returns will reply with a fixed price. Free, and no obligation.
What to bring to the DMV
For the 735-516 route, take all of this in one go. Print this page to use it as a checklist.
- Form 735-516, Inheritance Affidavit, signed by every heir before a notary
- The Oregon title, if you have it
- An application for title
- A lien release, if the DMV record shows a lender
- The title fee ($101 to $116 by MPG, $192 for an all-electric car)
Fees
| Title fee, passenger vehicle rated 0 to 19 MPG | $101 |
|---|---|
| Title fee, 20 to 39 MPG | $106 |
| Title fee, 40 MPG or more | $116 |
| Title fee, all-electric vehicle | $192 |
| Replacement title, if the title is lost (inheritance transfers) | $0 |
Common problems
- Oregon DMV can't tell you who the heirs are. Heirs follow ORS chapter 112; ask a lawyer if you aren't sure.
- Selling the car? Name the buyer on the affidavit as the person the car goes to.
- Any loan must be paid off, or the lender must agree to the transfer.
- DMV may accept another state's inheritance affidavit for an Oregon estate if it doesn't refer to the other state's laws and has everything Oregon's form asks for.
- If the title is lost, there is no replacement title fee on an inheritance transfer: send the application, the affidavit or probate papers, and the fee.
The rest of the estate
The 735-516 moves the car only. Bank accounts and other property need their own route. Oregon's small estate shortcut is an affidavit for estates up to $75,000 (wait: 30 days after the death): see the Oregon small estate affidavit. Larger estates go through probate, and the executor gets letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without one).
Oregon also allows a transfer on death deed for a house, which works like a beneficiary on a car title.
Oregon has an estate tax, but only large estates owe it. See Oregon estate tax. Whoever settles the estate still files the person's final income tax return by April 15 of the year after the death: see final tax returns.
Car titles after death in other states
California (REG 5) · Texas (VTR-262) · Pennsylvania (MV-39) · Michigan (TR-40) · New York (MV-349.1) · Wisconsin (MV2300) · Colorado (DR 2712) · Florida (HSMV 82040) · Ohio (BMV 3773) · Arkansas (Form 10-306)
Or see the overview for every state.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Oregon Inheritance Affidavit need a notary?
Yes. Every heir signs before a notary, who doesn't have to be in Oregon. Heirs who can't sign together can sign separate affidavits, each naming the same new owner.
Do all the heirs have to sign?
Yes. DMV needs an affidavit signed by all the heirs, on one form or several. A parent or guardian signs for a minor heir.
Is there a value limit on the Oregon Inheritance Affidavit?
No. The affidavit has no dollar limit. It can only be used when the estate has not been and won't be probated.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title after death in Oregon?
The regular title fee: $101, $106 or $116 for a passenger vehicle depending on its MPG rating, or $192 for an all-electric vehicle. If the title is lost, there is no extra replacement title fee for an inheritance transfer.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.