2018 Maryland Code
Estates and Trusts
Title 5 - Opening the Estate
Subtitle 6 - Small Estates
§ 5-608. No administration required for motor vehicles or boats
(a) Not more than two vehicles. -- 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) Boat or vessel not more that $5000. -- 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.
