New York State Inheritance Question (Wells: felony, DMV, title)

[Wells5]

Can a surviving spouse sell a car titled in the deceased spouse's name with only a death certificate or does the spouse need letters (testamentary or administration) in addition to the car title?

[hotkarl]

Just sell it. Forge the signature.
Done. Nobody at DMV ever says boo.

[JWRocks]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Can a surviving spouse sell a car titled in the deceased spouse's name with only a death certificate or does the spouse need letters (testamentary or administration) in addition to the car title?

I would think the will should be settled first.

[sojourn traveller]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

Just sell it. Forge the signature.
Done. Nobody at DMV ever says boo.

^^^ Yes, this. Don't look for problems.

[Wells5]

Forging a deceased person's name to a certificate of automobile title is a felony of the 2nd degree in New York State.

[hotkarl]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Forging a deceased person's name to a certificate of automobile title is a felony of the 2nd degree in New York State.

Nobody cares. Unless there is a reason for a red flag.
It is done all the time. Dead or not. I’m actually surprised there isn’t more scrutiny.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Forging a deceased person's name to a certificate of automobile title is a felony of the 2nd degree in New York State.

Thank you!