Title Transfer: Inherited Vehicle

[Anonymous]

My dad passed a few months ago, and he had two paid-off vehicles. My sister is taking the car, and I am taking the pickup truck and giving it to my adult son. My son lives in Georgia, and it's impractical to drive the vehicle to Georgia since the mileage is high, so I plan to ship it. How do I do a clean transfer of the title to him? Should I wait to ship it until the title transfer is complete? Will I need to go to Georgia to do it at the MVA there?

For those who have sold cars between states, is the process complicated? For clarification, I am giving it to him. The mental gymnastics I am doing to make this make sense let's me know there is likely an easy way to get this taken care of.

[Anonymous]

Your son needs to deal with this. He should look on both DMV sites and ask the shipper. The shipper will tell you what they require re: insurance etc. If the car is already in your name with valid tags and insurance, my assumption would be you ship the car, then send the title and he switches everything in Georgia. You definitely don’t have to go to Georgia.

https://dor.georgia.gov/transfer-title-and-license-plate-another-state-or-country

[Anonymous]

You might get answers at Bogleheads.org.

I've never inherited a car, but I bought a car in another state and had it shipped. The FedExed the paperwork to me for the purchase and title. I signed it all, sent it back. I paid for the car and the tax amount for MY state. Then they shipped the car.

Not sure that applies. But I do know they wouldn't release the car until I had the title.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might get answers at Bogleheads.org.

I've never inherited a car, but I bought a car in another state and had it shipped. The FedExed the paperwork to me for the purchase and title. I signed it all, sent it back. I paid for the car and the tax amount for MY state. Then they shipped the car.

Not sure that applies. But I do know they wouldn't release the car until I had the title.

How much did your shipping cost?

[Anonymous]

Be sure to fill out the immediate family member exemption from the ad valorem tax. It appears to require a notary, but I believe there are notaries that will do it over Zoom.

If there's an annual personal property car tax, also check if he can appeal the assessment due to high mileage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be sure to fill out the immediate family member exemption from the ad valorem tax. It appears to require a notary, but I believe there are notaries that will do it over Zoom.

This is really important. It can save thousands.

[Anonymous]

Look up the rules for transfer- it may be better to transfer to you and then to your son.

[Anonymous]

You will likely need to transfer the Georgia title to you. That is usually a form and a copy of the death certificate and probate order or other document that shows you inherited it. Then just sign the title to your son.

[Anonymous]

Carefully check the rules in Georgia re: tax on gifted out of state vehicles before you retitle.

I seem to recall that when I moved to MD and my parents were giving me their old car (PA), the cleanest way was actually for me to purchase from them in PA for a nominal sum and bring the assigned title and bill of sale to MD. The bill of sale established the value.

Also, Maryland and PA had different sales forms and MD DMV loved playing gotcha about the differences. MD wanted the buyer's signature notarized. PA forms didn't require that. I heard in advance and signed on the PA form even though there wasn't a spot for it.

Note: it's allowed to sell vehicles to anybody for below market value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Carefully check the rules in Georgia re: tax on gifted out of state vehicles before you retitle.

I seem to recall that when I moved to MD and my parents were giving me their old car (PA), the cleanest way was actually for me to purchase from them in PA for a nominal sum and bring the assigned title and bill of sale to MD. The bill of sale established the value.

Also, Maryland and PA had different sales forms and MD DMV loved playing gotcha about the differences. MD wanted the buyer's signature notarized. PA forms didn't require that. I heard in advance and signed on the PA form even though there wasn't a spot for it.

Note: it's allowed to sell vehicles to anybody for below market value.

Super helpful-- thank you!