(a) General rule.--If the interest of an owner in a vehicle passes to another other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall, except as otherwise provided, promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, if available, and shall apply for a new certificate of title on a form prescribed and furnished by the department. The application shall be accompanied by such instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies thereof, as may be sufficient or required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in such case.

(b) Transfer to surviving spouse.--Transfer of a certificate of title to a surviving spouse, or any person designated by the spouse, may be made without the necessity of filing for letters of administration notwithstanding the fact that there are minor children surviving the decedent provided the surviving spouse files an affidavit that all the debts of the decedent have been paid.

(c) Surrender of certificate.--A person holding a certificate of title whose interest in a vehicle has been extinguished or transferred other than by voluntary transfer shall immediately surrender the certificate of title to the person to whom the right to possession of the vehicle has passed. Upon request of the department, such person shall mail or deliver the certificate to the department. Delivery of the certificate pursuant to the request of the department does not affect the rights of the person surrendering the certificate.