Quick answer: for estates under the small estate thresholds, present a death certificate and supporting documentation at any MVA branch using its simplified process. For larger estates, the personal representative signs the title over using Letters of Administration.
The small-estate route
When the estate is under $50,000 (or $100,000 for a sole-heir surviving spouse), the heir presents a death certificate and relevant documentation at any Maryland MVA branch, using the MVA's own simplified process — no need to open full probate solely for the vehicle.
Larger estates: Letters of Administration
Once the estate exceeds the small estate thresholds, the personal representative instead signs the title over to the new owner as part of the overall distribution, presenting Letters of Administration at any MVA branch as proof of authority.
Joint ownership skips the process entirely
A vehicle jointly titled with survivorship rights transfers automatically to the surviving co-owner — that person presents a certified death certificate at the MVA, and the MVA reissues title in their name alone, with no probate or court involvement of any kind.
Trust-held vehicles
A vehicle already held in a living trust transfers to the successor trustee following the trust's own terms, again without court involvement — separate from any probate process, small estate or otherwise.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
MVA branches operate statewide — Montgomery, Baltimore, Prince George's County, Baltimore City, and everywhere else in Maryland — under the same statewide rules regardless of branch location.