Estate Planning 101

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

September 13, 2023

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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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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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In the wake of a loved one’s passing, one of the many tasks you may need to undertake is notifying the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is an important step to avoid any future complications related to the deceased's driver's license or vehicle registration.

Who Should Be Notified

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles should be notified in case your loved one held a driver's license or vehicle registration in the state of Connecticut. This helps prevent identity theft and also ensures the correct handling of any vehicles the deceased may have owned.

When to Notify

You should notify the Connecticut DMV as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. Prompt notification helps avoid any potential issues or complications.

How to Notify

To notify the Connecticut DMV, you need to mail a copy of the death certificate along with a cover letter that includes the deceased’s name, date of birth, and driver's license number or vehicle registration number. The address is: DMV, Attn: Record Updates, 60 State St, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Remember that this must be a certified copy of the death certificate, not a photocopy.

What to Expect After Notification

After the DMV is notified, they will update their records to reflect the death. The deceased's driver's license will be canceled, and any vehicle titles will need to be transferred to the new owner. The DMV will provide instructions on how to handle this process.

Tips for Notification

Before sending the death certificate, it's a good idea to make a copy for your records. Also, consider sending the mail certified or with tracking so you can confirm it has been received by the DMV.

Conclusion

Although it may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, notifying the Connecticut DMV of a loved one's passing is an essential step in settling their affairs. This action helps prevent potential future complications and ensures the proper management of the deceased's driving records and vehicle titles.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify the Connecticut DMV online?
A: Currently, the Connecticut DMV does not offer an online option for reporting a death. The notification must be done via mail.

Q: What if I don't have the driver's license number or vehicle registration number?
A: If you don't have this information, the DMV can usually locate the deceased's records using their full name and date of birth.

Q: What happens to the vehicle of the deceased?
A: The vehicle will need to be transferred to a new owner. The DMV can provide instructions on how to handle this process.