Is it possible to register a vehicle with original title, death certificate, and bill(s) of sale?
<p>I'm looking at buying a used vehicle in undrivable condition.  It's what you'd call a classic car, and I'm looking to restore it to roadworthy condition.  I'd like to be able to register it as a normal roadworthy vehicle when the project is complete, but the following circumstances are unusual.</p>

<p>The previous owner (hereafter Owner B) purchased the car at auction from the estate of the original owner (Owner A) upon Owner A's decease.  <strong>Owner B obtained the title (signed by executor of the estate, but never by Owner B), bill of sale, and a death certificate.</strong></p>

<p>Upon purchasing the vehicle, which had transmission issues and was not drivable, <em>Owner B did not register the car or sign a title</em>.  It has essentially been in storage since the purchase, and has not been taken off Owner B's property.</p>

<p><strong>If I purchase the vehicle from Owner B with the paperwork mentioned, is it possible to register the vehicle?</strong></p>

<p>To my knowledge, the car has lived its entire life in the state of Missouri, which is where all future work and titling would be done.</p>

<p>Normally, in addition to the documentation required one would need either "Letters Testamentary" or "Letters of Administration" to establish that the executor had the authority to transfer the car (unless the car was originally titled in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, or with a transfer on death title, with the executor listed). </p>

<p>Merely being listed in a Will as an executor without having a court with probate jurisdiction issuing Letters does not give the executor the authority to transfer the car. Also, the Letters must often be certified by the clerk of the court reasonably close in time to the date of the transfer as Letters expire when the estate is closed.</p>

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