How To Transfer the Car Title of a Deceased Person in California

When a loved one passes away, the named executor or administrator will be responsible for seeing through of the wishes of the deceased following their will. One of which may include transferring the title to the beneficiary, or selling it.

In California, there are specific steps that must be taken in order to legally transfer a car title after someone has died. Here is an overview of what you need to know.

Assuming that you have already filed a formal probate application for the estate of the deceased, you will find transferring ownership of one or more automobiles to be an easy process. Just as you would with other probate assets, you will be required by the court to formally transfer automobiles to the person designated in the deceased’s Will.

California’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) does not have a form for transferring a vehicle within probate. To ensure simplicity in this process, the personal representative signs the title paper (pink slip) by signing the deceased’s name, followed by his/her actual name, and “Executor”.

By giving a copy of the Letters Testamentary to the buyer, the new owner will be able to register the vehicle with the DMV. Monies exchanged should be deposited into the estate’s bank account. It is also a good idea for the new vehicle owner to have a copy of the decedent’s death certificate, as this may be requested by the DMV staff member handling the transfer.

DMV will also require that the personal representative submit the California driver’s license of the decedent, even if it has expired.

With the transfer of a personal vehicle after death of the owner being most common without probate in the State of California, the DMV provides a form that makes it quite simple to accomplish. Named the ‘Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate’, you can find a link to the form here.

The REG 5 form

The uncomplicated REG 5 form will transfer the vehicle in question from the estate of the deceased to a relative, or specified beneficiary in the Will. The new owner can then decide whether to keep the vehicle, sell it, or perhaps trade it for something different.

The REG 5 is to be completed by one of the following:

• The person or persons specifically designated in the decedent’s Will to take ownership of the property upon death.
• The guardian or conservator who succeeded to take control of the decedent’s property under death.
• A beneficiary specified in the decedent’s Will to take possession of the vehicle after his/her passing.
• A designated Trustee appointed by the decedent prior to death.

In order for a vehicle to be transferred to a new owner without probate, it must be titled in California. If this is not the case, the vehicle’s transfer must be handled by the appropriate officials in the state where the title is held. It’s important to note that states may not have the same vehicle transfer requirements as in the decedent’s home state.

There are some other stipulations for an out of probate vehicle transfer:

Forty days must have passed since the vehicle owner’s passing. If the vehicle was owned by two or more decedents, i.e., a husband and wife who have both died, original or certified copies of BOTH death certificates, and a completed REG 5 form for the most recent decedent, must be submitted.

Lastly, if the vehicle was owned by two or more persons, but only one of the two is deceased, the REG 5 form may not be used to bypass the interest in the vehicle by the surviving owner.

If the surviving owner is an heir and wishes to release his or her interest in the vehicle, the REG 5 form may be used for this purpose. The title must then be signed twice. First, by the surviving owner, and secondly, by the Executor on behalf of the deceased.

Surviving spouses or domestic partners in California may face different procedures based on how the vehicle was titled. Understanding the specifics can significantly ease the transfer process.

Vehicles Registered Solely to the Decedent

If the vehicle was solely in the name of the decedent, the surviving spouse may need to undergo formal probate proceedings to transfer the vehicle. However, it's advisable to first check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for simpler transfer methods that may be available. If other assets require a Spousal or Domestic Partner Property Petition, it may be efficient to include the vehicle in this petition as well.

Joint Ownership with Specific Conditions

• Joint Tenancy ("or"): If the vehicle title lists the names of the decedent and surviving spouse as joined by "or" (indicating joint tenancy), the vehicle can be transferred to the surviving spouse without probate proceedings. This is because the law recognizes this arrangement as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship.
• Tenants in Common ("and"): When the title shows multiple owners listed as "and" or as "tenants in common," the decedent’s share of the vehicle doesn't automatically pass to the surviving owner and usually requires probate.

Transfer on Death (TOD) and Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTRS)

For vehicles registered in TOD or JTRS forms, the designated beneficiary (often the surviving spouse) inherits the vehicle without the need for probate. This registration simplifies the process considerably.

Required Documents and Steps for Transfer

When transferring a vehicle as a surviving joint tenant or beneficiary, certain documents and steps are essential:

• Submit the Statement of Facts (REG 256) to declare the date and place of the owner’s death and establish entitlement to the vehicle.
• REG 5 (if applicable)
• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person, or seek assistance from an automobile club to facilitate the title transfer.
• Provide the DMV with a certified copy of the deceased’s death certificate, the signed vehicle ownership certificate (pink slip), and the current registration slip.
• Pay the transfer fee, which is $10 for TOD transfers or $15 for other transfers.

By setting up a trust, property, and assets of an individual, couple, or sometimes a family are committed to the safekeeping of a trustee in the event of the incapacitation, or death, of one or more members.

Vehicle titles are easily transferred, however, without the necessity for probate administration, should the owner pass away. Despite the ease of such transfers, some people do still transfer ownership of their vehicle(s) into their trustee’s names.

Should an Executor come across this scenario, or if more than one trustee is named without the benefit of the designation “or”, or without a slash (/) between the names, each trustee must sign the title of the vehicle that is to be transferred.

Additionally, if the trustee signing is not named on the title, California requires the form REG 256 (Section G) be filed. This form attests to the DMV that he or she was appointed by the deceased as their trustee or is a successor trustee named by the previous trustor or retiring trustee.

Need help with estate asset transfers?

Whether you are an executor, administrator or trustee of an estate - dealing with the death of a loved one is hard. The process of settling their estate can make grieving even more difficult. If you need help with the probate process in California, we're here to help. Contact us today.