How to Fill Out the Heir Vehicle Title Transfer Affidavit (California REG 5) + FAQs

The Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate – California Titled Vehicle or Vessels Only (REG 5) is the form an heir signs to move a deceased owner’s car or boat into their own name without going to court. You file it with the California DMV when the estate is small and at least 40 days have passed since the owner died.

This form spares grieving families the cost and delay of probate, which can take months and thousands of dollars. The current version is REG 5 (Rev. 12/2024), and you should always check that revision date in the bottom corner before you start. Each year, California processes thousands of these no-probate vehicle transfers, and a large share get rejected on the first try for one fixable reason: the heir signs too soon or skips the death certificate.

In this guide, you will learn:

• 📋 What the REG 5 form does and exactly who is allowed to sign it
• 🗂️ Every document you must gather before you open the form
• ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of all three sections, with sample entries
• 🚗 Three real-life heir scenarios from start to finish
• ⚠️ The mistakes that get a REG 5 rejected and how to avoid them

What the REG 5 Form Is and Who Must File It

The REG 5 is a sworn statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that says you are legally entitled to a deceased person’s vehicle or vessel and that no court probate is needed. It is built on California Probate Code §§13100–13113 and Vehicle Code §§5910 and 9916. The DMV receives and processes the form, then issues a new title in the heir’s name.

You may sign the REG 5 if you fall into one of four groups named on the form. The first is the sole person or all the people who inherit the decedent’s property when there is no will, or the beneficiary named in the will. The second is a trustee acting for a trust the decedent set up. The third is a conservator or guardian of the estate of the person who inherits. The fourth covers a surviving next of kin under the intestate succession rules.

Three conditions must all be true to use this form. At least 40 days must have passed since the date of death. The gross value of the decedent’s California property, not counting any vehicles, vessels, mobile homes, or manufactured homes, must not exceed $150,000 under the DMV’s estate valued at $150,000 or less rule. And the vehicle must be titled in California, because the DMV cannot accept a REG 5 for an out-of-state title.

One common misconception is that you must “qualify” for probate before using this form. The opposite is true. The REG 5 exists so you can avoid probate, but only when no probate case is open or pending. If a court case is already running, you cannot use this form, and the estate’s personal representative must handle the transfer instead.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open the REG 5, because a missing item is the top reason transfers stall at the counter. Each piece connects to a field on the form or to the DMV’s basic transfer requirements.

• The California Certificate of Title (pink slip). You sign the deceased owner’s name and countersign on line 1; without the title you must first file a Replacement Title (REG 227).
• An original or certified copy of the death certificate. The DMV matches the date of death to your 40-day waiting period, and a plain photocopy is not accepted.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN). This identifies the exact vehicle or vessel and must match the title.
• The license plate number or vessel CF number. A wrong plate number sends your file to the wrong record.
• The decedent’s full legal name and date of death. These anchor the sworn statement and the 40-day rule.
• The place of death. The form asks for the city or county where the owner died.
• Proof of your relationship or right to inherit, such as a will, trust document, or declaration of heirship, so the DMV can confirm you are entitled.
• An odometer disclosure if the vehicle is less than 10 years old, which is now built into the back of the title.
• Payment for the transfer fee and any use tax, since fees are due at filing and a late transfer adds penalties.

If you cannot find the title, do not wait and hope it turns up. File the REG 227 to request a duplicate first, then attach it to your REG 5 packet. Missing the death certificate is worse, because the clerk has no way to verify the 40-day rule and will reject the whole submission.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The REG 5 is free and comes straight from the state. You should always pull it from an official source so you get the current Rev. 12/2024 version and not an expired one.

You can download the fillable PDF from the California DMV forms page, which hosts the official REG 5. The PDF lets you type your answers on screen, then print and sign by hand, since the certification needs a wet signature. You can also pick up a paper copy at any DMV field office.

Avoid third-party sites that charge a “form fee” or bundle the REG 5 into a paid service unless you want their help. The form itself costs nothing. If you use a registration service or attorney, confirm they are handing you the same Rev. 12/2024 form the DMV publishes.

One nuance trips up many filers: the REG 5 is one part of a packet, not the whole transfer. You still need the signed title, the death certificate, and the fee. Treat the form as the affidavit that unlocks the transfer, while the other documents prove the facts behind it.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the REG 5 Line by Line

The REG 5 has three sections. Section 1 collects the vehicle and decedent facts. Section 2 is information you read, not fill in. Section 3 is where heirs sign under penalty of perjury. Fill it out in print, in blue or black ink, and use the exact field labels shown on the form.

Section 1: Vehicle or Hull Identification Number

This field asks for the VIN of a car or the HIN of a boat. Copy it exactly from the Certificate of Title, character for character, because the DMV matches this against its record. For example, Maria Lopez enters 1HGCM82633A004352 for her late father’s sedan.

A common nuance is the difference between a vehicle and a vessel. A car uses a 17-character VIN, while a boat uses a shorter HIN, so use whichever matches the property you are transferring. If you transpose two characters, the DMV cannot find the record and your file is set aside until you correct it. Many filers wrongly believe the license plate is enough; it is not, because the VIN is the true legal identifier of the vehicle.

Section 1: Vehicle License Plate Number or Vessel CF Number

This field asks for the plate number on the car or the CF number on the boat. Write the current plate exactly as issued, with no spaces or dashes unless they appear on the plate. For example, Maria writes 7ABC123 for her father’s car.

If the plate is lost or was surrendered, you can still complete the transfer using the VIN, but note that fact in your packet. A frequent mistake is entering an old or expired plate from a prior vehicle, which points the DMV to the wrong record and stalls processing. Some people think the plate transfers automatically to them; in California, the plate generally stays with the vehicle, so you do not need a new number to inherit the car.

Section 1: For Motorcycles Only — Engine Number

This field applies only to motorcycles and asks for the engine number stamped on the bike. Leave it blank for any car, truck, or boat. For example, Daniel Reyes enters the engine number from his late brother’s motorcycle exactly as stamped on the engine case.

The nuance here is that older motorcycles sometimes carry an engine number that differs from the VIN, and the DMV may use it to confirm identity. A common mistake is forcing a number into this box when the property is not a motorcycle, which confuses the clerk. People often think every vehicle needs an engine number listed; only motorcycles do.

Section 1: Make of Vehicle or Vessel Builder

This field asks for the manufacturer of the car or the builder of the boat. Enter the make as it appears on the title, such as TOYOTA, FORD, or for a boat the builder’s name. For example, Maria enters HONDA for her father’s sedan.

A nuance arises with rebuilt or kit vehicles, where the “make” may read as a special construction label on the title; copy whatever the title shows. A common mistake is writing the model, like “Camry,” in the make box instead of the manufacturer; this mismatch slows the clerk’s review. Some filers think the make must be spelled out in full legal form, but the abbreviation on the title is what the DMV wants.

Section 1: Name of Decedent

This field asks for the full legal name of the person who died and owned the vehicle. Print the name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title and the death certificate. For example, Maria writes ROBERTO LOPEZ, matching both documents.

The nuance is name variation. If the title says “Robert Lopez” but the death certificate says “Roberto Lopez,” attach a Statement of Facts (REG 256) explaining that both names refer to the same person. A common mistake is using a nickname or a maiden name that does not match the title, which triggers a name-mismatch hold. People often assume the DMV will “know” it is the same person; the agency cross-checks names, so any gap must be explained on paper.

Section 1: Date of Death and Place of Death

This field asks when and where the owner died. Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format and the city or county for place of death, copied from the death certificate. For example, Maria writes 02/10/2026 and SACRAMENTO, CA.

The nuance is the 40-day rule, which counts from this exact date. If the death certificate is delayed, you may know the date but lack the certified copy; you still must wait for the certificate before filing. A common mistake is filing before 40 full days have passed, which forces an automatic rejection under Probate Code §13100. Many people think the 40 days runs from the funeral or from when they received the title; it runs only from the date of death.

Section 1: The Sworn Statement and Entitlement Category

Below the facts, the form states under oath that the decedent left no other property needing probate, that no probate is pending, that creditors are paid or discharged, that the estate excluding vehicles does not exceed $150,000, and that 40 days have passed. You do not write here, but you must read and confirm each point is true before signing in Section 3. You then identify which of the four categories makes you entitled: heir under intestate succession, will beneficiary, trustee, or conservator/guardian.

The nuance is the $150,000 limit, which excludes vehicles, vessels, and mobile homes from the count. For example, Maria’s father left a car worth $9,000 and a bank account of $30,000, so his countable estate is well under the cap. A common mistake is including the car’s value in the estate total and wrongly concluding you do not qualify. Many people believe a house automatically pushes them over the limit, but real property held in a trust or transferred by other means may not count toward this specific affidavit.

Section 2: Important Information

This section is read-only and explains that anyone who takes the vehicle under this affidavit is bound by Probate Code §§13109 through 13113. There is nothing to fill in. For example, Maria reads this and understands she could be personally liable to unpaid creditors if she signed falsely.

The nuance is personal liability. By signing, you accept that creditors or other heirs can come after the vehicle or its value if your statement was wrong. A common mistake is treating this block as filler and skipping it; ignoring it means you may not grasp the legal weight of your signature. People often assume the affidavit is a simple formality, but it is a sworn legal promise with real consequences.

Section 3: Signature and Certification

This section is where each entitled heir prints their true full name, daytime phone number, signs, and dates. Only one date and signature is technically required, but all heirs who share the right to the vehicle should sign so no one’s interest is left out. For example, Maria Lopez prints MARIA LOPEZ, writes (916) 555-0143, signs, and dates 03/25/2026.

The nuance is multiple heirs. If three siblings inherit equally, all three should print, sign, and date so the DMV sees the full chain of consent. A power of attorney cannot be used to sign the REG 5, so each heir must sign personally. A common mistake is one sibling signing alone when others also have a claim, which can later void the transfer. Many people think a notary is required; the REG 5 is signed under penalty of perjury and does not need notarization.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Below are three of the most common heir situations, each followed from start to finish. The entries show what each person writes on the form.

Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez, sole heir of her father’s car (no will):

Form Section	What Maria Enters
VIN	1HGCM82633A004352
License Plate Number	7ABC123
Make of Vehicle	HONDA
Name of Decedent	ROBERTO LOPEZ
Date of Death	02/10/2026
Place of Death	SACRAMENTO, CA
Entitlement Category	Sole heir under intestate succession
Print True Full Name	MARIA LOPEZ
Signature and Date	Maria signs, 03/25/2026

Scenario 2 — The Nguyen siblings, three heirs sharing one inherited car:

Form Section	What the Nguyens Enter
VIN	JTDKN3DU0A0123456
License Plate Number	8XYZ987
Make of Vehicle	TOYOTA
Name of Decedent	LAN NGUYEN
Date of Death	01/05/2026
Place of Death	SAN JOSE, CA
Entitlement Category	All heirs under intestate succession
Print True Full Name	DAVID NGUYEN, LINH NGUYEN, TONY NGUYEN
Signature and Date	All three sign, 02/20/2026

Scenario 3 — Janet Carter, trustee transferring a boat held in a family trust:

Form Section	What Janet Enters
HIN	ABC12345D606
Vessel CF Number	CF1234AB
Vessel Builder	BAYLINER
Name of Decedent	HAROLD CARTER
Date of Death	03/01/2026
Place of Death	LONG BEACH, CA
Entitlement Category	Trustee under the decedent’s trust
Print True Full Name	JANET CARTER, TRUSTEE
Signature and Date	Janet signs, 04/15/2026

How to File the Completed Form

Once the REG 5 is signed and your packet is complete, you submit it to the DMV with the signed title, the death certificate, and the fees. You can file in person or by mail, and the DMV accepts both for no-probate transfers.

To file in person, bring the full packet to any DMV field office; booking an appointment at dmv.ca.gov cuts your wait. The basic transfer fee is $15, plus any use tax and registration renewal fees that apply, and offices accept cash, check, money order, and most debit or credit cards. Counter processing is often same day, and you walk out with a stamped receipt as your proof of filing.

To file by mail, send the packet with a check or money order to DMV, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269. Mail processing usually takes several weeks, so keep a copy of everything and use tracked mail as your proof. The DMV does not offer a fully online REG 5 transfer, because the form needs an original signature and original or certified death certificate, though third-party registration services can submit on your behalf.

Keep proof of filing no matter which channel you use. A counter receipt or a tracking record protects you if the title does not arrive. Your new title typically mails to you within a few weeks of acceptance.

What Happens After You File

After the DMV accepts your REG 5 packet, it updates the vehicle record and issues a new Certificate of Title in the heir’s name. You should receive the new title by mail, usually within a few weeks for counter filings and longer for mailed ones.

If you plan to keep and drive the car, you must also register it, which means paying any renewal fees and getting current tags. If you plan to sell it, you transfer the title into your name first, then sign a Bill of Sale (REG 135) to your buyer, who then transfers it again. Selling directly without taking title first triggers two transfer fees and possible penalties.

Watch your mail and the calendar. If the new title has not arrived after a month, call the DMV with your receipt number to check the status. A rejected packet usually comes back with a note telling you exactly what to fix, most often a too-early filing date or a missing document.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each field on the REG 5 is its own chance to slip, so review this list before you submit. The first sentence names the error, and the second states what it costs you.

• Filing before 40 days have passed since death. The DMV rejects the form outright and you must wait and refile.
• Attaching a photocopy of the death certificate. The DMV needs an original or certified copy, so the packet is returned.
• Including the vehicle’s value in the $150,000 estate count. You may wrongly think you do not qualify and abandon a valid transfer.
• Signing with a power of attorney. The REG 5 cannot be signed by an agent, so the transfer is void.
• Leaving out one of several heirs. The transfer can later be challenged and unwound by the missing heir.
• Entering the model instead of the make. The mismatch with the title slows clerk review.
• Transposing characters in the VIN. The DMV cannot match the record and sets your file aside.
• Using the decedent’s nickname instead of the legal name. A name mismatch triggers a processing hold.
• Forgetting to sign the title on the registered owner line. Without the signed title, the affidavit alone cannot transfer ownership.
• Skipping the odometer disclosure on a vehicle under 10 years old. The transfer is incomplete and bounced back.
• Using the REG 5 for an out-of-state title. The form is only valid for California-titled vehicles, so it is rejected.
• Forgetting the transfer fee or use tax. The DMV cannot complete the transfer without payment.

Do’s and Don’ts

These quick rules keep your REG 5 clean and accepted on the first pass. Each carries a short reason so you understand the stakes.

Do’s:

• Do wait the full 40 days from the date of death, because the law requires it and early filings are rejected.
• Do attach an original or certified death certificate, since the DMV must verify the date of death.
• Do print clearly in blue or black ink, so the clerk can read every field without question.
• Do have all entitled heirs sign, because one missing signature can void the transfer.
• Do keep a copy of the full packet, since it is your proof if the title is delayed.
• Do confirm you have the Rev. 12/2024 version, because outdated forms may be refused.

Don’ts:

• Don’t count the car’s value toward the $150,000 estate cap, because vehicles are excluded.
• Don’t use a power of attorney to sign, since the REG 5 requires each heir’s own signature.
• Don’t paraphrase the field labels or guess values, because the DMV cross-checks against the title.
• Don’t file if a probate case is open, since the affidavit cannot be used then.
• Don’t submit for an out-of-state title, because the REG 5 covers California-titled property only.
• Don’t forget to sign the actual Certificate of Title, as the affidavit works alongside it, not instead of it.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Many heirs handle the REG 5 themselves, while others use a registration service or attorney. The choice depends on how complex the estate is and how confident you feel.

Pros of filing on your own:

• It is free except for the standard transfer fee, so you save service charges.
• The form is short, with only three sections, so most simple cases are manageable.
• You control the timeline and can file as soon as the 40 days pass.
• You learn the process, which helps if you handle other estate assets too.
• Direct contact with the DMV means you hear about any problem firsthand.

Cons of filing on your own:

• A single error, like an early date, can cause weeks of delay.
• You must judge the $150,000 estate limit yourself, which can be tricky.
• Multiple-heir or trust cases raise legal questions you may not answer correctly.
• You handle all the paperwork and follow-up alone.
• Mistakes signed under penalty of perjury carry real legal risk.

FAQs

Do I need 40 days to pass before I can file the REG 5?

Yes. At least 40 full days must pass from the date of death before you can sign or submit the REG 5, and filing earlier leads to automatic rejection by the DMV.

Does the REG 5 need to be notarized?

No. The form is signed under penalty of perjury, so it does not require a notary. You simply print your name, sign, and date Section 3.

Can I use a power of attorney to sign the REG 5?

No. Each entitled heir must sign personally. A power of attorney cannot be used to sign this affidavit, and doing so voids the transfer.

Do I count the car’s value toward the $150,000 estate limit?

No. Vehicles, vessels, mobile homes, and manufactured homes are excluded from the $150,000 gross-value count under the rules behind this form.

Do I write the decedent’s nickname or legal name in the Name of Decedent field?

No. Use the full legal name exactly as it appears on the title and death certificate, because the DMV cross-checks names and a mismatch causes a hold.

Do all heirs have to sign in Section 3?

Yes. Every person with a right to the vehicle should print, sign, and date so the DMV sees full consent and the transfer cannot be challenged later.

Can I use the REG 5 for an out-of-state vehicle title?

No. The REG 5 works only for vehicles and vessels titled in California; an out-of-state title needs a different transfer process.

Do I write the make or the model in the Make of Vehicle box?

No. Enter the make, meaning the manufacturer like HONDA or FORD, not the model name, because the make must match the Certificate of Title.

Can I use the REG 5 if a probate case is already open?

No. The affidavit is only for estates with no pending or completed probate; if a court case is running, the personal representative handles the transfer.

Do I need an original death certificate, or is a copy fine?

No. A plain photocopy is not accepted. You must submit an original or a certified copy so the DMV can verify the date of death.

Is there a fee to transfer the title with a REG 5?

Yes. A transfer fee of about $15 applies, plus any use tax and registration fees, and late transfers may add penalties.

Can I sell the inherited car right away using the REG 5?

Yes. But you must transfer the title into your name first, then sell with a Bill of Sale; selling without taking title triggers two transfer fees.