Transfer of Vehicle Outside of Probate at Death of Owner (Michigan)

By Matthew A. Quick Michigan law allows for the transfer of vehicles of deceased owners outside of the probate process with Secretary of State Form TR-29. The controlling law, MCL 257.236(2), provides:

If an owner of 1 or more vehicles, which vehicles do not have a total value of more than $60,000.00, dies and the owner does not leave other property that requires issuance of letters as provided in section 3103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, M.C.L. 700.3103, the owner's surviving spouse, or an heir of the owner in the order specified in section 2103 of the estates and protected individuals code, 1998 PA 386, M.C.L. 700.2103, may apply for a title, after furnishing the secretary of state with proper proof of the death of the registered owner, attaching to the proof a certification setting forth the fact that the applicant is the surviving spouse or an heir. Upon proper petition, the secretary of state shall furnish the applicant with a certificate of title.