Canceling a Driver License:

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To assist the Division with the possibility of identity theft, it is necessary that we receive a copy of the death certificate prior to updating the individual's driving record.

Please send the documentation to:

Driver Assistance Branch 3118 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-3118

If you have any questions, you can send a message to the Driver License staff through Contact Us.

Vehicle Transfer From a Deceased Owner:

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If an administrator is appointed for the deceased:

The following instructions are applicable only to North Carolina title transfers. Vehicle transfers on an out of state title are subject to the laws of the title issuing state.

1. Submit a copy of the letters of administration/executrix certified by the clerk of court. A copy is acceptable as long as the clerk's seal is visible.
   
   
2. As administrator, you would make a notarized assignment to the purchaser in Section A on the reverse side of the title.
   
   
3. The purchaser must complete a North Carolina Title Application (MVR-1) declaring all liens. The application must be signed in the presence of a notary.
   
   
4. Fees: $40.00 title fee and a 3% highway use tax if the vehicle was purchased from an estate. If the vehicle was a gift, no tax is due.
   
   
5. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must supply an odometer statement signed by both the seller and the buyer.
   
   
6. A Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-181) is required.
   
   
7. If titled to the surviving spouse, existing license plate may be corrected at no fee.
   
   
8. Owner has to have the vehicle inspected in North Carolina prior to a license plate being issued.

If no administrator is appointed:

1. Furnish a widow's/widower's allotment, an affidavit of collection for personal property or a release by heirs (Form MVR-317)
   
   
2. Furnish the title for the deceased. You do not need an assignment of title if the vehicle is being transferred to the surviving spouse. If the vehicle is transferred to someone else, the person appearing on the court forms would make an assignment in Section A on the reverse side of the title.
   
   
3. The purchaser must complete an North Carolina Title Application (MVR-1) declaring all liens. The application must be signed in the presence of a notary.
   
   
4. Fees: $40.00 title fee and a 3% highway use tax if the vehicle was purchased from an estate. If the vehicle was a gift, no tax is due.
   
   
5. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you must supply an odometer statement signed by both the seller and the buyer.
   
   
6. A Damage Disclosure Statement (Form MVR-181) is required.
   
   
7. If titled to the surviving spouse, existing license plate may be corrected at no fee.
   
   
8. Owner has to have the vehicle inspected in North Carolina prior to a license plate being issued.

Mobile Home registered jointly to husband & wife:

1. Furnish a copy of the death certificate.
   
   
2. There is no sales or highway use tax due.
   
   
3. $40.00 title fee.
   
   
4. Survivor would make a notarized assignment in Section A on the reverse of certificate of title. Survivor would sign deceased person's name by them and then sign their name. Survivor's name would be entered as the purchaser.
   
   
5. The survivor must complete an North Carolina Title Application (MVR-1) declaring all liens. The application must be signed in the presence of a notary.