When a loved one passes away, there are many responsibilities that need to be managed, including notifying various entities of the death. One of these is the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is an essential step to prevent misuse of the deceased's driver's license and to manage any vehicle registrations or titles.
Who Should Be Notified
The Vermont DMV should be notified if your loved one was a resident of Vermont and held a Vermont driver's license or state ID, or if they owned a vehicle registered in Vermont.
When to Notify
You should notify the Vermont DMV as soon as possible following the death of your loved one. This ensures that the deceased's driver's license is promptly cancelled and any vehicle registrations or titles can be correctly transferred.
How to Notify
To notify the Vermont DMV, you must submit a copy of the death certificate by mail or in person to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001. This allows them to cancel the deceased's driver's license or ID card.
For vehicle titles, you'll need to follow the process for transferring the title. This may require additional documents, like a will or probate documents, if applicable.
What to Expect After Notification
Once the Vermont DMV has been notified, they will cancel the driver's license or ID card of the deceased. If the deceased owned a vehicle, you may need to follow additional steps to transfer the title and registration. This process can vary depending on whether the deceased left a will and who the vehicle is being transferred to.
Tips for Notification
Keep a copy of all documents you send to the DMV, and note the date you mailed them. If you don't hear back within a few weeks, follow up to ensure they received the documents. Remember, each vehicle will need its own set of documentation for the title transfer.
Conclusion
Notifying the Vermont DMV after the death of a loved one is a key step in settling their affairs. It ensures their driver's license is cancelled to prevent misuse and helps facilitate the transfer of any vehicle registrations or titles.
FAQ
Q: What if I can't find the title to my loved one's vehicle?
A: The Vermont DMV can issue a duplicate title if the original is lost. There is a process to follow and a fee for this service.
Q: Can I transfer the title of my deceased loved one's vehicle to someone outside of the immediate family?
A: Yes, but the process might be different and additional documentation may be required, such as probate documents.
Q: What if my loved one had a lien on their vehicle?
A: The lien must be satisfied before the title can be transferred. You may need to contact the lienholder for more information.
