When the transfer of title is warranted from the sale, deliver,y or donation of a vehicle from a deceased owner, then the following guidelines may provide assistance:
When An Estate Requires Probate:
- Surrender the Alabama title, properly assigned to the new owner by the executor or executrix.
- Provide certified copy of the letters of testamentary regarding the vehicle. (If the estate requires probate and there is no will, then a certified copy of the probate proceedings or letters of administration may be provided).
- Executor, or executrix, or administrator should sign the title assignment with the same name style as listed on the copy of the letters of testamentary.
When An Estate Does Not Require Probate:
- Surrender the Alabama title, properly assigned to the new owner by the deceased owner's next of kin.
- Provide the completed State Form 5-6 (Affidavit for Assignment of Title For A Vehicle When Deceased Owner Dies Without A Will).
Next of Kin Form - Provide a certified copy of the deceased owner's death certificate.
- The family member designated as 'next of kin' should sign the title assignment with the same name style as listed on the State affidavit.
- Prove a One and the Same Affidavit for name variances from document to document.
- If there is a will, and it is not probated, then the deceased owner is considered to have died intestate.