If you are residing in Colorado and you are looking to transfer the title of a motor vehicle that was not bequeathed in a will without going through the probate process, you may need to acquire a Colorado Certificate of Heir. This certificate serves as legal documentation to prove your rightful ownership of the vehicle and allows for the transfer of the title. Here is a detailed description of the process and different types of Colorado Certificates of Heir that can be obtained: 1. What is the Colorado Certificate of Heir? The Colorado Certificate of Heir is an official document issued by the state's Department of Revenue, specifically the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is designed to establish the rightful ownership of a motor vehicle when the title has not been bequeathed in a will. Obtaining this certificate allows you to transfer the title without the need for probate court involvement. 2. Types of Colorado Certificate of Heir: a. Affidavit of Warship: An Affidavit of Warship is a common type of Colorado Certificate of Heir used for motor vehicle transfers. This affidavit typically requires information such as the deceased owner's name, date of death, and details of the vehicle. Additionally, it requires the identification and notarized signatures of all heirs who are claiming ownership rights. b. Small Estate Affidavit: In cases where the deceased owner's estate falls within the definition of a small estate, a Small Estate Affidavit may be utilized. This type of certificate is applicable when the total value of the estate, including the motor vehicle, is under a certain threshold as determined by Colorado state law. It requires specific information regarding the deceased owner and the value of the estate. 3. Process of obtaining the Colorado Certificate of Heir: a. Gather required documentation: To obtain a Colorado Certificate of Heir, you will typically need the following documents: — Death certificate of the deceased owner. — Vehicle title or registration that shows the deceased owner as the current owner. — Identification documents of all heirs, such as driver's licenses or passports. — Any additional forms required by the DMV, such as the Affidavit of Warship or Small Estate Affidavit. b. Complete the necessary forms: Depending on the type of Colorado Certificate of Heir you are applying for, complete either the Affidavit of Warship or the Small Estate Affidavit. Provide accurate and complete information about the deceased owner and all heirs involved. c. Notarize the forms: After completing the appropriate form, ensure that all heirs sign it in the presence of a notary public. The notary public will then verify the signatures and affix their notary seal. d. Submit the forms: Take the completed and notarized forms, along with other required documentation, to your local Colorado DMV office. Pay any applicable fees and submit the paperwork to the appropriate DMV representative. e. Transfer the title: Once your Certificate of Heir is approved by the DMV, you will receive official documentation confirming your ownership rights. Use this documentation, along with any other required forms, to transfer the title of the motor vehicle into your name. It's important to note that this information serves as a general guideline and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements and procedures, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Colorado Department of Revenue or contact your local DMV office directly.