Transferring a Car in Virginia Without Probate

Quick answer: if no executor or administrator has been appointed and none is expected, use DMV Form VSA 24 — who must sign it depends on whether there's a will, a surviving spouse, or other children involved.

Only when qualification isn't happening

Straight from the form itself: VSA 24 documents an heir's authority to transfer a Virginia-titled vehicle when there has not been, and isn't expected to be, a qualification on the estate, and no executor or administrator has been appointed. It doesn't apply to vehicles titled outside Virginia.

With a will: every interested legatee signs

Each person named in the will who has an interest in the vehicle must be identified on the form and, if of legal age, must sign it — not just whoever plans to keep driving the car.

Without a will: it depends on who survives

If there's a surviving spouse and no children from anyone other than that spouse, only the spouse needs to sign. If there are children (or their descendants) from a different parent, those children must also be identified and sign. Where there's no surviving spouse at all, everyone with an interest in the vehicle must sign.

A family allowance claim simplifies it further

If there's a surviving spouse and the vehicle is included in a claim for family allowance, exempt property, or the homestead allowance, only the surviving spouse needs to complete and submit the form — regardless of other children.

Once someone qualifies, this form is off the table

VSA 24 specifically cannot be used once an executor or administrator has actually been appointed for the estate — at that point, the personal representative handles the vehicle transfer through the standard estate process instead.

Facing probate in Virginia?

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

Talk to a Virginia attorney

DMV processes VSA 24 the same way at any Virginia location, regardless of which Circuit Court jurisdiction the decedent resided in.

Vehicle title transfer — frequently asked questions

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

Form VSA 24, Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title — used when there has not been, and isn't expected to be, a qualification on the estate, and no executor or administrator has been appointed.

Who has to sign VSA 24 if there's a will?

Every legatee named in the will who has an interest in the vehicle must be identified on the form and, if of legal age, must sign it.

Who has to sign if the decedent died without a will?

If there's a surviving spouse and no children from someone else, only the spouse signs. If there are children of another parent, they must also be named and sign. If there's no surviving spouse, everyone with an interest in the vehicle must sign.

Can VSA 24 be used if an executor has already been appointed?

No — the form specifically cannot be used once an executor or administrator has been appointed for the estate; the personal representative handles the vehicle transfer instead through the standard estate process.

How do I transfer a car after death in Virginia without probate?

If no executor or administrator has been appointed and none is expected, use DMV Form VSA 24 — who must sign it depends on whether there's a will, a surviving spouse, or other children involved.

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Based on Virginia DMV Form VSA 24. Fees and requirements can change; confirm current figures with the Virginia DMV or a licensed Virginia attorney before acting.