Proving the Value of a Deceased Person’s Vehicles for Probate in Arkansas

Short answer: The personal representative (executor or administrator) prepares an inventory that lists each vehicle and a supported fair-market value. You can prove value with a written appraisal, dealer or mechanic statements, accepted pricing guides (NADA, Kelley Blue Book), comparable market listings, or a court-ordered appraisal if beneficiaries disagree. Keep clear documentation and follow the probate clerk’s filing rules in your county.

Why you must prove vehicle value

Probate requires an inventory and accounting of the decedent’s assets so the court and beneficiaries know what the estate owns. Vehicles can be a meaningful portion of an estate’s value. Proper valuation matters for creditor notices, distribution to beneficiaries, taxes (if applicable), and records of sale by the personal representative.

Who does this and when

The personal representative named in the will or appointed by the court must gather and report values as part of the inventory and any required appraisement. Local probate rules set the exact filing process. If beneficiaries contest the value, the court can require a formal appraisal or hold a hearing.

Acceptable methods to prove a vehicle’s value in Arkansas probate

• Written appraisal by a qualified appraiser: For unique, collectible, or high-value vehicles, get a written, dated appraisal that includes VIN, odometer reading, condition, photographs, valuation method, and the appraiser’s signature and credentials.
• Auto dealer or mechanic statements: A written statement from a reputable dealer or licensed mechanic describing the vehicle, condition, and an estimated market value is commonly accepted.
• Pricing guides and online valuation tools: Use reputable sources such as NADA Guides, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), or Edmunds to document retail, trade-in, and private-party values. Save printouts or PDF snapshots showing the vehicle parameters (year, make, model, mileage, options, and condition).
• Comparable market evidence: Print listings for comparable vehicles for sale (same model year, mileage, condition, and region). Include seller listing date, price, and URL or screenshot.
• Recent purchase or sale documents: If the decedent bought or recently sold a similar vehicle, provide purchase receipts, titles, or bill of sale.
• VIN and title records: Provide the vehicle title or a copy, the VIN, registration, and any lien payoff statements. These documents help the court verify identity and ownership and reveal outstanding debt that affects net estate value.

How to assemble the vehicle valuation for the probate file

1. List each vehicle on the inventory with make, model, year, VIN, mileage, and condition notes (good, fair, needs repair, salvage, etc.).
2. Attach the documents that support the listed value: appraisal, dealer statement, printouts from valuation guides, and comparable listings.
3. If you used an online guide, describe which value you used (private party, trade-in, or retail) and why it is the best reflection of fair market value in your county.
4. Note any liens, loans, or taxes due on the vehicle and attach payoff statements.
5. File your inventory and any appraisals with the probate clerk in the county where probate is open. Keep copies for the estate file and for beneficiaries.

What if beneficiaries disagree about value

If heirs or creditors dispute the valuation, you can:

• Negotiate using additional valuations from dealers or a second appraiser.
• Ask the court to appoint a neutral appraiser or to order an evidentiary hearing where competing evidence is evaluated.
• Seek the court’s direction before selling a vehicle if disagreement might expose the personal representative to claims.

Selling or transferring vehicles during probate

If the personal representative sells a vehicle, document the sale with a bill of sale, record the sale price on the estate accounting, and apply sale proceeds to pay valid estate debts or distribute to beneficiaries per the will or Arkansas intestacy rules. For title transfer after distribution, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Motor Vehicle Division for the required forms and procedures: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/.

Where to find Arkansas probate rules and local procedures

Arkansas probate statutes and rules govern inventories, administration, and accountings. You can review the state code and your county clerk’s probate forms and filing requirements through the Arkansas General Assembly and local probate clerk’s office. Start at the Arkansas legislature website for state law: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/. For court forms and local probate information, contact the county probate clerk or visit the Arkansas Judiciary site: https://www.arcourts.gov/.

Helpful Hints

• Document everything. Save appraisals, screenshots, emails, tags, and title copies in the estate file.
• Use multiple valuation sources when possible to show a range and support a chosen figure.
• For collector vehicles or unusual models, get a specialty appraiser experienced with classic and collector cars.
• Note vehicle condition honestly—damage, mechanical issues, and salvage history reduce market value.
• Identify and list liens separately—gross vehicle value differs from estate equity when loans exist.
• If values are substantial or contested, talk with a probate attorney to reduce the risk of personal liability as personal representative.
• When in doubt, ask the probate clerk how they prefer valuations and what documentation they expect with the inventory filing.

Disclaimer: This article explains general principles under Arkansas probate practice and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For help specific to your situation, consult a licensed Arkansas probate attorney or contact the county probate clerk.