Transferring a Car in Oregon Without Probate

Every heir has to sign — and DMV won't tell you who counts as one.

DMV Form 735-516; ORS 803.094

Quick answer: a notarized Inheritance Affidavit (Form 735-516), signed by every heir. If a simple estate affidavit was already filed with the county, Form 6797 works instead.

Every heir has to sign, not just one

Straight from the form itself: if a deceased owner's estate is not probated, their interest in a vehicle may be assigned through an affidavit signed by all the heirs, under ORS 803.094 — DMV must receive it completed and signed by every heir, though separate copies of the same affidavit are acceptable when there's more than one.

DMV won't identify the heirs for you

Heirs are determined according to ORS Chapter 112, and DMV explicitly states it cannot determine the heirs on the family's behalf — families may need to seek legal counsel just to confirm who legally qualifies before the affidavit can even be completed correctly.

Already filed a simple estate affidavit? A different form applies

If a simple estate affidavit was already filed with the county court, DMV can instead accept a copy of that court-filed affidavit, or a Simple Estate Certification, Form 6797, completed by the affiant — the separate Inheritance Affidavit isn't needed in that situation.

Survivorship skips both forms entirely

When Oregon issued the title with survivorship and one owner has died, the surviving owner can transfer the title with just proof of death — a death certificate, an obituary, or a similar document naming the owner — without an Inheritance Affidavit or any probate involvement.

Facing probate in Oregon?

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

Talk to an Oregon attorney

DMV processes these transfers the same way at any Oregon office statewide — in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, or any other county — regardless of which county's probate court would otherwise handle a formal estate.

Vehicle title transfer — frequently asked questions

What form transfers a car title after death in Oregon without probate?

Form 735-516, the Inheritance Affidavit, under ORS 803.094 — a notarized statement signed by all the heirs, assigning the vehicle's ownership interest to a named person.

Does DMV determine who the heirs are?

No — DMV explicitly cannot determine the heirs for the family; heirs are identified according to ORS Chapter 112, and the family may need legal counsel to sort that out before completing the affidavit.

What if a simple estate affidavit was already filed with the county?

DMV can instead accept a copy of the court-filed simple estate affidavit, or a Simple Estate Certification, Form 6797, completed by the affiant — no separate Inheritance Affidavit is needed in that case.

Does survivorship on the title skip both the affidavit and probate?

Yes — when Oregon issued a title with survivorship and one owner has died, the surviving owner can transfer the title with just proof of death, without an Inheritance Affidavit or probate at all.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Oregon DMV Form 735-516, Form 6797, and ORS 803.094. Fees and requirements can change; confirm current figures with the Oregon DMV or a licensed Oregon attorney before acting.