Money and accounts
What happens to their car?
Short answer
Vehicles are titled property. The title must be transferred. If it goes through probate, that process handles it. For small estates, a REG 5 affidavit (California DMV) lets you transfer without probate if the estate qualifies. Do not sell or give away…
What this usually means
Vehicles are titled property. The title must be transferred. If it goes through probate, that process handles it. For small estates, a REG 5 affidavit (California DMV) lets you transfer without probate if the estate qualifies. Do not sell or give away the car before the title is resolved.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.