Form VTR-262 — Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Texas)

Form VTR-262, Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle, is an official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles document used within the Texas vehicle title system to establish heir authority for purposes of transferring ownership of a motor vehicle after the death of the recorded owner. The form applies only in limited situations defined by Texas law and does not replace court administration when probate is required.

Official purpose of Form VTR-262

The purpose of Form VTR-262 is to allow the Texas DMV to recognize the heirs of a deceased vehicle owner as authorized parties for title transfer when no probate administration is necessary. By submitting a sworn affidavit, qualifying heirs attest to their legal status and the absence of court-appointed authority over the estate, enabling the DMV to evaluate whether ownership may be transferred without probate documentation.

Role within the Texas vehicle title system

Form VTR-262 functions as an affidavit-based authority mechanism within the broader Texas vehicle title framework. It does not, by itself, request issuance of a new title and does not override statutory requirements related to probate, lien resolution, odometer disclosure, or title application procedures. The form is evaluated in conjunction with the existing title record and other required submissions.

Legal scope and limitations

The affidavit is applicable only when the estate of the deceased owner qualifies for non-administrative treatment under Texas law. If probate proceedings have been initiated, if a court has appointed an executor or administrator, or if court supervision is otherwise required, Form VTR-262 cannot be used to transfer vehicle ownership. The form does not confer authority beyond the specific conditions under which affidavit-based transfers are permitted.

Relationship to other Texas title documents

Form VTR-262 operates alongside other official Texas DMV forms used in the vehicle title process. It establishes heir authority but does not replace applications for title, lien release documentation, or other statutory requirements evaluated by the DMV during ownership updates. Each document involved in the transfer is reviewed according to its independent legal function.

Administrative characteristics

The affidavit must be executed as a sworn statement and notarized in accordance with Texas requirements. Falsification of information contained in the affidavit is subject to criminal penalties under state law. Acceptance of the affidavit by the Texas DMV depends on consistency with the title record and compliance with applicable statutory conditions.

Form identification details

• Form name: Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle
• Form number: VTR-262
• Issuing authority: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Jurisdiction: State of Texas
• Revision date: 11/2020

Practical application of Form VTR-262, including how the Texas DMV evaluates heirship scenarios and system outcomes, is explained in how Texas DMV handles vehicle title transfer after an owner’s death.