As a former licensed car dealer, I’ve helped many families handle car title transfers between family members.
Fortunately, California makes family title transfers straightforward as long as you have all the proper documentation.
Table of Contents
Guide to Transferring a Car Title to a Family Member in California
Below is a table that provides a great overview of the process for transferring a title to a family member in California; however, it is just an overview. For more specific information (some of which is necessary), continue down past the table of contents.
The process involves filing paperwork with the DMV to record the ownership change. Typical fees are under $100 total.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Who Qualifies as a Family Member | Spouses and domestic partners, parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren, siblings. Transfers between these relations can skip certain taxes and smog checks. |
| Required Documents for Family Transfer | – California Vehicle Title – Signed by both current and new owner – Odometer Disclosure – For cars under 10 years old – ID Proof – Driver’s license for new owner – Registration Card – Current card (if available) – Bill of Sale – Records sale details (if applicable) – Smog Certificate – If required locally – REG Forms – Special forms for exemptions |
| Steps to Transfer Car Title Between Family | 1. Complete Vehicle Title Transfer Paperwork. 2. Submit Completed Documents to Local CA DMV. 3. DMV Processes Transfer to Update Records. 4. Wrap Up Remaining Transfer Tasks. |
| Transferring from A Deceased Family Member | 1. Obtain the California Certificate of Title. 2. Sign the Title. 3. Complete Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5). 4. Provide a Death Certificate. 5. Complete Statement of Facts (REG 256). 6. Odometer Disclosure (for vehicles under 10 years old). 7. Pay the Transfer Fee. 8. Submit Documents to DMV. Ownership can transfer 40 days after death if estate assets are under $166,250. |
| Mistakes to Avoid with Family Transfers | Failing smog when required, late registration leading to penalties, errors or typos on forms. Get a second pair of eyes to review everything before submission! |
Below, I have added a few links to documents you will need for the transfer and well as resources specifically for the California DMV:
- California Vehicle/Vessel Transfer Form
- Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL/IRL) (REG 138)
- How to Transfer a Car Title in California
- California DMV Online Services
- How to Transfer a Car Title Out of State in California
- How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Another State
Can You Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member For Free in California?
Yes, in California, you can transfer a title to a family member without paying a use tax or smog certification if you meet the following requirements:
- The vehicles registration is up to date
- You are not transferring between non-minor siblings
Who Qualifies as a Family Member?
The DMV grants special exemptions for vehicle transfers between close family. This includes:
- Spouses and domestic partners
- Parents and grandparents
- Children and grandchildren
- Siblings
Transfers between these relations can skip certain taxes and smog checks.
Required Documents for Family Transfer
To ensure it’s valid in the DMV’s eyes, a family transfer needs documentation like:
- California Vehicle Title – Signed by both current and new owner
- Odometer Disclosure – For cars under 10 years old
- ID Proof – Driver’s license for new owner
- Registration Card – Current card (if available)
And in certain cases:
- Bill of Sale – Records sale details
- Smog Certificate – If required locally
- REG Forms – Special forms for exemptions
Having these ready cuts processing time tremendously.
Steps to Transfer Car Title Between Family
Once the documents are gathered, here are the 4 key steps:
1. Complete Vehicle Title Transfer Paperwork
- Current owner signs title over to new family owner
- New owner fills in their personal information
- Odometer reading and date are documented
Treat it like any major financial document!
2. Submit Completed Documents to Local CA DMV
- Bring documents to the DMV branch
- Pay $15 title transfer fee
- Additional registration fees may apply
Avoid the line – many DMVs now allow online reservations!
3. DMV Processes Transfer to Update Records
- DMV verifies paperwork
- Prints new title in the system
- Mails new title to the registered owner
You can also track your status online with the application number
4. Wrap Up Remaining Transfer Tasks
- The current owner reports the sale for liability protection
- The new owner registers vehicles in their name
And ensure insurance paperwork is transferred!
How To Transfer A Car Title from A Deceased Family Member In California
If the registered owner of the vehicle is deceased, transferring the title to an heir involves these key steps:
- Obtain the California Certificate of Title
This document proves ownership. If missing, apply for a duplicate title. - Sign the Title
The heir signs the deceased owner’s name and countersigns on line 1. Also complete and sign the back of the title. - Complete Affidavit for Transfer without Probate (REG 5)
This form transfers the vehicle from the estate to the heir. The heir must complete and sign. - Provide a Death Certificate
An original or certified copy of the death certificate is required. - Complete Statement of Facts (REG 256)
This form confirms the owner is deceased and the relationship of an heir. - Odometer Disclosure
Required for vehicles under 10 years old. - Pay the Transfer Fee
A fee must be paid to transfer ownership. - Submit Documents to DMV Bring all documents and fees to your local DMV branch for processing.
Ownership can transfer 40 days after death if estate assets are under $166,250. Consult a professional to ensure you have what is needed for your specific inheritance situation.
Mistakes to Avoid with Family Transfers
With a process involving this much paperwork, it’s easy to foul something up. Beware of:
- Failing smog when required
- Late registration leading to penalties
- Errors or typos on forms
Get a second pair of eyes to review everything before submission!
My Closing Thoughts
Transferring a car title between family members in California is simple, with clear guidance. I hope this overview gives you the confidence to handle it smoothly. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!
