Estate Planning 101

Notifying the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Need a Will or Trust?

Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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When a loved one passes away, there is a multitude of tasks to be handled, many of which involve notifying different entities about the death. One of these is the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This step is crucial to prevent misuse of the deceased's driver's license and to handle any vehicle registrations or titles.

Who Should Be Notified

The Nebraska DMV should be notified if your loved one was a resident of Nebraska and held a Nebraska driver's license or state ID, or if they owned a vehicle registered in Nebraska.

When to Notify

You should notify the Nebraska DMV as soon as possible following the death of your loved one. This helps ensure that the deceased's driver's license is cancelled promptly and any vehicle registrations or titles can be properly transferred.

How to Notify

To notify the Nebraska DMV, you must submit a copy of the death certificate by mail or in person to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver and Vehicle Records Division, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 94789, Lincoln, NE 68509-4789. This will allow 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, including a will or probate documents, if applicable.

What to Expect After Notification

Once the Nebraska 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 make a note of 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 title transfer.

Conclusion

Notifying the Nebraska DMV after the death of a loved one is an important 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 Nebraska 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 may 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.