Estate Planning 101

Notifying the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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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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In the event of a loved one's passing, various organizations need to be notified to tie up loose ends and prevent any issues down the line. If the deceased was a resident of Montana and held a Montana driver's license or state ID, one such organization is the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division (DOJ MVD).

Who Should Be Notified

The Montana DOJ MVD should be notified in the event of a driver's or state ID holder's death. This step helps prevent identity theft and allows the MVD to update their records accordingly.

When to Notify

The Montana DOJ MVD should be notified as soon as possible after the death of the license or ID holder. This is to ensure that the deceased's driving records are updated in a timely fashion.

How to Notify

The notification can be done by mailing a copy of the death certificate to Montana Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620-1430. It is also possible to deliver the death certificate in person to the local MVD office. The death certificate should include the driver's license or ID number if possible.

What to Expect After Notification

After you notify the MVD, they will update their records to indicate that the person is deceased. The deceased's driver's license or state ID will be cancelled to prevent potential misuse. If the deceased owned any vehicles, further steps may be necessary to transfer or sell the vehicle.

Tips for Notification

When notifying the Montana DOJ MVD, always ask for a receipt or confirmation of the notification. Keep this for your records. If the deceased owned a vehicle, you may need to inquire about the process for transferring ownership or selling the vehicle.

Conclusion

Notifying the Montana DOJ MVD after the death of a loved one is a crucial but often overlooked task. Timely notification prevents potential identity theft and aids in the smooth transition of vehicle-related matters.

FAQ

Q: What if I don't have the deceased's driver's license or ID number?
A: The Montana DOJ MVD can usually locate the person's record with their full name and date of birth. However, providing the license or ID number can expedite the process.

Q: What happens to the deceased's vehicle registration?
A: If the deceased owned a vehicle, the registration and title may need to be transferred to the new owner. This process is separate from notifying the MVD of the death and may require additional steps.

Q: Can I notify the MVD online?
A: Currently, the Montana DOJ MVD does not offer an online option to report a death. Notification must be done by mail or in person.