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Sponsor outlines bill to let next of kin renew a deceased owner's vehicle registration once
Summary
House Bill 46‑74 would temporarily allow a deceased owner's next of kin to renew vehicle registration one time if the title transfer has not been accomplished, with protections: not allowed if registration had been expired six months or more at death and renewal must occur within one year of notification to the Secretary of State.
A sponsor presented House Bill 46‑74 to address a narrow probate‑administration problem: family members sometimes cannot legally renew registration for a deceased owner's vehicle while title remains with a lessor, lender or during probate.
"This bill addresses a common and often distressing issue faced by Michigan families, and that's the inability to legally operate a deceased loved one's vehicle," the sponsor said. The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow the deceased owner's next of kin to renew the registration once so the vehicle remains legally drivable while title transfer or probate issues are resolved.
The sponsor said the bill includes three safeguards: the renewal is available only one time; it cannot be used if the registration had been expired for six months or more at the time of the owner's death; and the renewal must occur within one year of the Secretary of State being notified of the death or sooner if the title is transferred.
David from the Department of State joined the sponsor at the table, and members posed no questions at the time the bill was introduced. The committee did not take a formal vote on HB 46‑74 during the session.
Next steps: Committee staff may request technical drafting or a fiscal impact statement and the bill may be scheduled for further consideration at a later date.
