Transferring a Car in Florida Without Probate

Two different DMV forms, depending on who's inheriting — and for some titles, no form at all.

Fla. Stat. §319.28, 319.32; HSMV Forms 82040, 82152

Quick answer: a surviving spouse uses Form 82152, free and with no affidavit needed. Other heirs, with no debt and everyone in agreement, use Form 82040 plus a simple affidavit. No court order required either way.

By operation of law, no court order needed

Straight from §319.28: the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can transfer a title "by operation of law" — heirs can often bypass the formal probate court process entirely if the estate isn't in debt and everyone agrees on who should receive the vehicle.

Surviving spouse: the easiest path

A surviving spouse uses HSMV Form 82152 (Application for Surviving Spouse Transfer), a no-fee transfer under §319.32(7)(a)-(b). It requires only a certified death certificate, proof of identity, and proof of marriage if the spouse isn't already named on the death certificate — no will, no affidavit of solvency, and no court order.

Other heirs: one more form, one more affidavit

Without a surviving spouse, an heir uses HSMV Form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title) along with an affidavit that the estate isn't indebted and that the surviving spouse, if any, and the heirs have agreed among themselves on the estate's division. If there's a will, a certified or sworn copy accompanies the application instead, along with an affidavit of solvency.

"OR" on the title means no form at all

If the title already joins two names with the word "OR" rather than "AND," that already establishes right of survivorship — the surviving owner simply brings the title and death certificate to the county tax collector to remove the deceased owner's name, no HSMV form needed.

Already in formal probate? The personal representative handles it

If the estate is already going through formal administration, the personal representative transfers the vehicle using their Letters of Administration instead of either simplified form.

Facing probate in Florida?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a Florida attorney

Both forms are processed at any authorized Florida tag agency or county tax collector's office — Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, or anywhere else in the state.

Vehicle title transfer — frequently asked questions

What form does a surviving spouse use to transfer a car title in Florida?

HSMV Form 82152 (Application for Surviving Spouse Transfer) — a free, no-fee transfer requiring only a certified death certificate, proof of identity, and proof of marriage if not already shown on the death certificate. No court order or affidavit of solvency is needed.

What form do other heirs use if there's no surviving spouse?

HSMV Form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title), along with an affidavit that the estate isn't indebted and that the surviving spouse, if any, and the heirs have agreed among themselves on the estate's division.

Does Florida law let the DMV transfer a title without a probate court order?

Yes — under Fla. Stat. §319.28, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can transfer title by operation of law, bypassing the formal probate court process entirely when the estate isn't in debt and the heirs agree.

What if the title already shows both spouses joined by the word "OR"?

That already establishes right of survivorship — the surviving owner doesn't need any form at all and can simply take the title and death certificate to the county tax collector to remove the deceased owner's name.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Florida Statutes §319.28, 319.32 and HSMV Forms 82040, 82152. Fees and requirements can change; confirm current figures with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or a licensed Florida attorney before acting.