Short Answer

List each vehicle at its fair market value as of the date of death, then back it up with proof. In North Carolina probate, you typically show value with printouts from recognized price guides (e.g., NADA or Kelley Blue Book) adjusted for mileage/condition, dealer or independent appraiser opinions, and photos/repair estimates. You file the Inventory with the Clerk of Superior Court within three months of appointment and include the vehicle’s VIN, title number, make/model, and any lien information.

Understanding the Problem

You need to prove what your mother’s vehicles were worth for probate in North Carolina. You (as the personal representative) must report each car’s fair market value as of the date your mother died so the Clerk of Superior Court can review your Inventory and later your accounting. The key timing is the inventory deadline—within three months after you qualify with the clerk.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, the personal representative must file an Inventory showing fair market value (FMV) of probate assets as of the date of death. Vehicles are personal property, so the clerk expects specific identifiers (VIN, title number, make, model) and reliable FMV support. If you need help determining value, you may use a disinterested appraiser. The Inventory is filed in the decedent’s county with the Clerk of Superior Court, and the clerk audits inventories and later accountings.

Key Requirements

• Date‑of‑death FMV: Value every vehicle as of the date your mother died, not the later sale price.
• Acceptable proof: Use recognized price guides (NADA/KBB) adjusted for mileage/condition, dealer trade-in/retail sheets, written appraisals, and photos or repair statements if relevant.
• Identify the vehicle: Include VIN, title number, year, make/model, and a short condition note; list any lien and balance for transparency.
• Inventory deadline: File the Inventory (AOC‑E‑505) with the Clerk of Superior Court within three months after you qualify; if an appraisal is pending, you may temporarily note “undetermined” and supplement.
• Joint ownership caveat: Vehicles titled with right of survivorship typically pass to the survivor and are not probate assets; document that status separately and do not list as estate property.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A‑20‑1 (Inventory due in 3 months) — Inventory must list property and values as of date of death.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A‑20‑4 (Use of appraisers) — Personal representative may employ disinterested appraisers and must disclose them in the Inventory.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑77(b) (DMV transfer by affidavit in limited situations) — Describes title transfer by affidavit when no administration proceeds or in certain small estates.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20‑52(a) (Joint titles; survivorship option) — DMV application allows a survivorship designation that affects whether the vehicle is a probate asset.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With no specific facts provided, assume you are the personal representative. For each car, gather a date‑of‑death NADA or Kelley Blue Book report and note the exact trim, mileage, and options; add photos and any repair estimates to explain adjustments. List the VIN, title number, and any lien balance in your Inventory. If a vehicle was jointly titled with right of survivorship, keep proof of that status and do not include it as probate property in the Inventory.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Personal representative. Where: Clerk of Superior Court in the North Carolina county where the decedent was domiciled. What: Inventory for Decedent’s Estate (AOC‑E‑505) listing each vehicle with VIN, title number, and date‑of‑death FMV; attach or keep valuation support in your file. When: Within three months after you qualify.
2. To sell or distribute: If selling, collect written offers and complete the DMV transfer; if distributing, sign the title as PR and complete DMV paperwork (typically MVR‑1, and if the old title lacks odometer disclosure, MVR‑180). If no title is available, request a duplicate (MVR‑4). DMV forms and guidance are available at the North Carolina DMV site: https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/Forms/.
3. Final reporting: Report either sale proceeds or in‑kind distribution on the Annual/Final Account (AOC‑E‑506/AOC‑E‑506A), attaching bills of sale or transfer confirmations as needed. The clerk audits the account before closing the estate.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Wrong valuation date: Always use the date of death, not sale or repair date.
• Condition adjustments: Price‑guide printouts should reflect the actual trim/mileage/options; add photos and repair estimates when condition differs from “average.”
• Liens: List FMV and separately note lien balances; contact lienholders early to avoid transfer delays.
• Joint titles and survivorship: Vehicles titled with right of survivorship usually bypass probate; do not list them as estate property in the Inventory.
• Missing titles: Apply for a duplicate (MVR‑4). The DMV may require extra steps and, in some cases, a title bond; build in time for processing.
• Affidavit transfers: If using the DMV affidavit process under § 20‑77(b) (no administration/small estate), ensure debts are paid or proceeds are used to pay them; clerks are cautious where creditors may be impacted.

Talk to a Probate Attorney

If you’re dealing with valuing and reporting vehicles in a North Carolina estate, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.