Estate sale — What You Need to Know
The vehicle is being sold by the executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate. The sale requires proof of authority to sell estate assets before the title can transfer.
Seller guidance
You must establish your legal authority to sell the vehicle. This typically requires Letters Testamentary (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will), issued by the probate court. Bring these letters to the DMV — they authorize you to sign as the seller and transfer the title. Some states allow small estate affidavits for low-value vehicles outside of formal probate.
Buyer guidance
Verify that the executor or administrator has active, court-issued authority to transfer the vehicle. Request a copy of the Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. Without proper authority, the title transfer can be challenged by other beneficiaries or creditors of the estate.
Legal note (Michigan-specific)
Michigan allows transfer of vehicles from a decedent without probate if the estate is under $22,000 (MCL 700.3982). Use TR-29 (Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle) and present it with the death certificate and title at a Secretary of State branch. Estates above the threshold require Letters of Authority from the probate court.
Estate sale checklist
- Obtain Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the probate court
- Confirm the vehicle is listed as an estate asset (title or registration in the decedent's name)
- Determine if the estate qualifies for a small estate affidavit to skip formal probate
- Obtain an appraisal or fair market value statement (protects executor from beneficiary disputes)
- Complete title transfer documents with executor signing in representative capacity
- Complete TR-29 (Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle) for estates under $22,000
- Present death certificate and vehicle title at Secretary of State
- Obtain Letters of Authority for estates exceeding $22,000 (MCL 700.3982)
Yacht Safety & Recall Information
Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases
Average Safety Rating
0 / 5
Avg. Price Range
$50,000–$500,000+
Odometer Disclosure
Not required
Safety checkpoints for yacht buyers
- Require a professional marine survey before purchase — standard practice for vessels over 26 ft
- Inspect engine hours, service records, and oil analysis reports
- Check hull condition with moisture meter and visual inspection below waterline
- Verify USCG documentation or state registration status
- Confirm life-raft service is current and EPIRB is registered/within battery date
- Verify USCG-required PFDs for max passenger count plus throwables and signals
- Test bilge alarm system and high-water sensors in each compartment
- Inspect fire-suppression system in engine room (FE-241 or equivalent)
Common recall categories
Fuel SystemElectricalEngineSteeringHull Integrity
On average, each yacht model has approximately 1 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.
Calumet City Estate sale yacht generator — when to file
Michigan requires title transfer within 15 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For estate sale transactions specifically, file at Michigan DMV – Calumet City (Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos to find the nearest Calumet City office) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (verify hours with local office). Miss the 15-day window and Michigan typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Calumet City bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $15.00 title transfer fee plus 6% sales tax on the purchase price.
Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Michigan DMV – Calumet City; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.