Estate Planning 101

Notifying the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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When a loved one passes away, there are numerous entities to notify, one of which is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is particularly important if the deceased owned a vehicle or held a driver's license. This blog post will guide you through the process of notifying the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

Who Should Be Notified

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles should be notified if the deceased was a resident of Nevada, held a Nevada driver's license, or owned any vehicles registered in Nevada.

When to Notify

You should notify the Nevada DMV as soon as you can after the passing of your loved one. This ensures their records are updated promptly and helps prevent any potential misuse of the deceased's driver's license or vehicle registration.

How to Notify

To notify the Nevada DMV about a death, you will need to mail or personally deliver a copy of the death certificate to a local DMV office. If there are vehicles involved, you need to transfer the title to the new owner or release the ownership of the vehicle. You can find the necessary forms and more information on the Nevada DMV's website.

What to Expect After Notification

Once the Nevada DMV is notified, they will update their records, cancel the deceased's driver's license, and process any changes in vehicle ownership. If the deceased had any personalized license plates, the DMV will also address these as per their regulations.

Tips for Notification

When notifying the Nevada DMV, keep a record of all the documents you send and make a note of the date of notification. This could be important if there are any questions or issues later on. If there are multiple vehicles or complex ownership issues, you may want to seek legal advice.

Conclusion

Notifying the Nevada DMV of a loved one's death is an essential step in handling their affairs. By doing so promptly and efficiently, you can ensure their records are accurate, protect their identity, and transfer vehicle ownership as needed.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to physically go to the DMV to report the death?
A: No, you can mail the necessary documents to the Nevada DMV. However, it can be faster to go in person, especially if you have questions or a complex situation.

Q: What if I don't have a death certificate yet?
A: You will generally need a death certificate to notify the DMV of a death. Contact the Nevada DMV for advice if you are waiting for the certificate.

Q: What happens if the deceased owned a vehicle jointly with someone else?
A: In Nevada, if a vehicle is owned jointly with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner becomes the sole owner. You should contact the Nevada DMV or a legal advisor to ensure this is handled correctly.