Property, Vehicles, and Utilities
How do I transfer a car title in California after a death?
Short answer
If the estate qualifies for small estate procedures: use the DMV's REG 5 form (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) if the vehicle's value is under $208,850 (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for deaths before that date) and 40 days have passed. For probate estates: the executor uses letters testamentary plus DMV Form…
What this usually means
If the estate qualifies for small estate procedures: use the DMV's REG 5 form (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) if the vehicle's value is under $208,850 (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 applied for deaths before that date) and 40 days have passed. For probate estates: the executor uses letters testamentary plus DMV Form REG 29. For vehicles held in a trust: the successor trustee handles the transfer. Bring a certified death certificate in all cases.
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.