Do I need to go through probate to transfer a deceased relative's mobile home?

Not always. Depending on the estate and whether there is a will, TDHCA may accept an heir affidavit instead of full probate — but larger or contested estates often do require it.

What documents are needed to transfer a title after the owner has died?

Typically a certified death certificate, an heir affidavit or probate documentation, and the original or replacement Statement of Ownership.

Can more than one heir be listed as an owner?

Yes, TDHCA allows multiple heirs to be listed as co-owners on the new Statement of Ownership.

How to Transfer a Mobile Home Title After the Owner Dies in Texas

Transferring a mobile home title after the owner has passed away in Texas requires a death certificate, heir or probate documentation, and a Statement of Ownership application filed with TDHCA — the exact requirements depend on whether the estate has a will and whether probate is necessary.

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Required

Not every estate needs to go through formal probate. Smaller or straightforward estates can sometimes use a Small Estate Affidavit or an heir affidavit instead. Larger or contested estates, or those without a clear will, typically require probate through a Texas court before TDHCA will process the transfer.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

•Certified death certificate — an official copy, not a photocopy

•Heir affidavit or probate/letters testamentary — proof of who legally inherits the home

•Original or replacement Statement of Ownership — if the title was lost, this must be resolved first

•Valid photo ID for each heir who will be listed on the new title

Step 3: File the Transfer Application with TDHCA

The heir affidavit or probate documentation replaces the deceased owner's signature on the standard transfer application. If multiple heirs are inheriting together, TDHCA allows all of them to be listed as co-owners on the new Statement of Ownership.

Step 4: Address Any Existing Liens

If the home still has a loan attached, the lien must be resolved — either paid off, assumed by an heir with lender approval, or released — before the new title can be issued.

What If the Title Was Also Lost?

It's common for both issues to happen together: the title is missing and the owner has passed away. In that case, you'll need a replacement Statement of Ownership application in addition to the heir transfer documentation. See our guide on what to do if you lose a mobile home title in Texas for that process.

Why This Situation Benefits From Professional Help

Estate-related title transfers involve more moving pieces than a routine sale — probate rules, multiple heirs, and sometimes an outstanding lien all at once. A single missing document can restart the entire TDHCA review.

Eleven Processing & Consulting LLC in Kyle, TX has experience helping families through deceased-owner title transfers from start to finish. Read our complete mobile home title transfer guide for Texas for the general TDHCA process, or explore our manufactured home title transfer services.

Handling a family member's estate? Contact us — we'll walk you through exactly what's needed.