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.

When REG 5 may apply

California’s Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate, REG 5, applies only when its conditions are satisfied. They include a California-titled vehicle, at least 40 days since the death and requirements concerning the estate, creditors and probate proceedings. The estate-value threshold depends on the applicable date; use the current form instead of an old dollar figure.

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 10, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.

Continue with your California sale.

California Notice of Transfer and Release of LiabilityReport the sale separately from signing the title.Selling a California car with a missing titleCheck the ownership record and lender involvement before choosing replacement paperwork.California Smog Checks when selling a carCheck the vehicle and transaction before assuming an inspection is required or exempt.Selling a California vehicle on planned nonoperationA car that does not run is not automatically recorded as PNO.California salvage and nonrepairable vehicle documentsRead the certificate before choosing a sale, repair or disposal route.Junking or dismantling a vehicle in CaliforniaSelling a car to a dismantler and dismantling it yourself involve different responsibilities.California odometer disclosures and signaturesPrepare the correct mileage disclosure for the vehicle and transfer.Keeping California personalized or special-interest platesDecide what happens to your special plates before the car leaves.Selling a California car with a lender or lienResolve the lender’s interest alongside the vehicle offer.Correcting a California title before sellingResolve an incorrect entry before completing the transfer.Selling a car in California with an out-of-state titleThe vehicle’s location and its title jurisdiction are separate details.California vehicle retirement versus a private junk-car saleCompare the state program’s eligibility and process with a private offer.California vehicle pickup and sale recordsPrepare the car, ownership documents and follow-up before collection.A vehicle left on California property: removal and ownershipEstablish who owns the vehicle before choosing a sale or removal route.Selling a California vehicle through an authorized representativePrepare the owner’s authorization before someone else signs the sale documents.California car-selling forms and document checklistChoose documents for your situation instead of completing every form.