Selling an inherited vehicle in California

Check how ownership is recorded

Read the title for co-owner names and whether ownership is joined by AND or OR. An estate, surviving co-owner and authorized representative can have different document requirements. Give DMV the actual ownership details before choosing a form.

Which declarations does REG 5 require?

REG 5 requires at least 40 days since death, a California-titled vehicle, no applicable probate proceeding, satisfaction or discharge of unsecured creditors and no person with a superior entitlement. It also contains an estate-value test with exclusions. Include the death-certificate copy and confirm the threshold applicable to the date of death with DMV; do not infer eligibility from the car’s value alone.

Official REG 5

Prepare the authority documents

Gather the title, death certificate and any court or representative documents you hold. Ask DMV for the appropriate checklist if probate is involved. Possessing the keys or arranging pickup is not itself authority to transfer ownership.

Official sources.

Sources reviewed September 26, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your California sale.

Selling a California car with a missing titleFor a missing California title, check whether REG 227 fits the ownership record and transaction. A lender-held title or a transfer subject to secure odometer disclosure may need another route.Selling a California car with a lender or lienBefore selling a California car with a lien, obtain the lender’s payoff and release instructions. The vehicle offer does not automatically settle the debt or remove the lien.California car-selling forms and document checklistChoose California vehicle forms by the task: replacement title, sale notification, representation or permanent disposal. An ordinary sale does not require every form in this directory.

Browse all California selling guides and cities