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Transferring a House, Car, and Accounts After Death in Michigan
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Transferring a House, Car, and Accounts After Death in Michigan

Transfer a house, car, and bank accounts after death in Michigan. See which title path each asset type needs, by real estate, vehicles, and accounts.

By Settled Editorial

Each asset type moves differently after a death in Michigan. A house follows the deed and the county register of deeds. A car follows Secretary of State title rules. Bank and financial accounts follow beneficiary designations or a successor affidavit. So the first job is to sort the estate by asset type, then match each one to the transfer it actually needs.

This post walks through the three common asset types most families face: real estate (the house), vehicles (the car), and bank and financial accounts. For the overall process, see our Michigan transfer-after-death guide; this post breaks it down by asset type.

If inherited real estate may be sold, use selling inherited property in Michigan. If you are planning ahead, compare those title paths with how to avoid probate in Michigan, Michigan transfer-on-death deed alternatives, Michigan Lady Bird deed, and Michigan revocable living trust planning.

First Separate Probate and Nonprobate Assets

Probate assets are usually assets owned by the decedent alone without a beneficiary or survivorship path.

Nonprobate assets may pass by:

  • Trust
  • Life insurance beneficiary
  • Retirement account beneficiary
  • Payable-on-death account
  • Transfer-on-death registration
  • Survivorship title

Only probate assets need a probate court path.

Bank and Financial Accounts (and Other Personal Property)

MCL 700.3983 can let a successor collect certain personal property by sworn statement. The path requires more than 28 days after death, no real property in the estate, no personal representative appointment or pending appointment, no petition for assignment, and a value within the adjusted cap.

The SCAO form is PC 598. It can help with some accounts or personal property, but it is not a real estate tool.

For small estates, compare Michigan small-estate affidavit and assignment.

The Car (Vehicle Title)

Michigan Secretary of State title rules depend on the title and estate facts.

If the current Michigan title names both the survivor and the deceased with "Full Rights to Survivor," the Secretary of State says the survivor needs the title, a copy of the death certificate, and identification.

MCL 257.236 also provides a title path for a surviving spouse or heir when an owner dies and does not leave other property that requires letters under EPIC. The applicant must provide proper proof of death and a certification of spouse or heir status.

The vehicle value cap was $100,000 for 2024 and 2025, then adjusts for 2026 and later years under the statute.

For a vehicle-only walkthrough, use Michigan vehicle title transfer after death.

The House (Real Estate)

Michigan real estate transfer depends on the deed, trust, survivorship language, and whether probate is needed.

MCL 565.48 says a register of deeds may not record a deed or instrument conveying land by a surviving joint tenant or tenant by the entirety unless proof of death has been recorded or is filed and recorded with the instrument.

That rule does not mean every real estate transfer avoids probate. Solely owned real estate may need probate, trust administration, or another valid transfer path.

If the owner lived outside Michigan, review Michigan ancillary probate. If the property was titled in a trust, use Michigan trust administration before recording transfer documents.

Transfer Tax and Recording Review

Michigan real estate transfers may need transfer tax review. MCL 207.526 lists exemptions from the state real estate transfer tax.

County register of deeds offices may also require county transfer tax review, property transfer affidavits, or local recording steps. If family-protection allowances affect estate cash before a sale, compare Michigan homestead allowance.

Do not record a deed without checking the county register of deeds requirements.

When a Court Order Helps

A probate court order can help when:

  • A bank or company may refuse to release property without authority
  • The estate needs a personal representative
  • Real estate is titled only in the decedent's name
  • Heirs disagree
  • A creditor issue needs administration
  • The small-estate assignment path fits better than the affidavit path

Use the Michigan probate court forms guide before choosing PC 556, PC 558, PC 559, or PC 598.

Records to Keep Together

Keep:

  • Certified death certificates
  • Title records
  • Account statements
  • Court orders
  • Letters of authority, if issued
  • Deeds and recording receipts
  • Secretary of State title documents
  • Transfer tax and register of deeds notes

For record ordering, see Michigan death certificate copies for probate.

Sources:

This article provides general Michigan transfer information. Verify title, county recording steps, agency requirements, and estate facts before transferring property.

Information current as of May 16, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Michigan can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

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