# Estates and Trusts (GET)

## Title 5. Opening the Estate

### Subtitle 6. Small Estates

#### Section 5-608

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)