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Transfer a vehicle to a surviving spouse or surviving heir

A surviving spouse can transfer ownership of up to five vehicles solely owned by his/her deceased spouse. The vehicle(s) may be titled in the name of the surviving spouse as owner or he/she may sign as surviving spouse to sell the vehicle. The transfer of ownership will not affect any prior liens upon the vehicle or vehicles.

When more than five vehicles that are less than 20 years old were solely owned by the deceased, the remaining vehicles must be disposed of through an:

• administrator 
• executor
• court order

A copy of the death certificate is NOT required when the deceased owner was a Wisconsin resident and death occurred in Wisconsin. A death certificate may be required for residents of other states.

If you want ownership in your name, submit:

• Form MV2300
• Certificate of Title
• Form MV1 (344 KB)
• $62 transfer fee ($7.50 supplemental title fee is waived from usual $69.50 title fee)

If you have questions:

• E-mail: bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
  • Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail.
  • If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we will not be able to respond to your inquiry unless you provide us with the license plate number or the vehicle identification number.
• Call: (608) 266-1466, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

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Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: December 14, 2007