Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 6 - Small Estates
Section 5-608 - No Administration Required for Motor Vehicles or Boats

(a)    If the only property owned by a decedent is not more than two motor vehicles and the decedent’s surviving spouse is the decedent’s only heir or legatee:
        (1)    Administration of an estate of the decedent is not required; and
        (2)    The Motor Vehicle Administration may transfer title to a motor vehicle owned by the decedent to the surviving spouse if:
            (i)    The surviving spouse certifies to the Motor Vehicle Administration that all debts and taxes owed by the decedent have been paid; and
            (ii)    The Motor Vehicle Administration receives a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and suitable proof of the existence of the marriage.
    (b)    If the only property owned by a decedent is a boat or vessel with an appraised value that does not exceed $5,000 and the decedent’s surviving spouse is the decedent’s only heir or legatee:
        (1)    Administration of an estate of the decedent is not required; and
        (2)    The agency that issued the certificate of title may transfer the certificate of title for the boat or vessel to the surviving spouse of the decedent if:
            (i)    The surviving spouse certifies to the agency that all debts and taxes owed by the decedent have been paid;
            (ii)    The agency receives satisfactory evidence of the value of the boat or vessel, which may be provided by a statement signed by two individuals stating that:
                1.    They have personal knowledge of the value of boats or vessels of the type that is in the estate; and
                2.    The value of the boat or vessel does not exceed $5,000; and
            (iii)    The agency receives a copy of the decedent’s death certificate and suitable proof of the existence of the marriage.

Structure Maryland Statutes