Small estate affidavit
A sworn form heirs use to transfer a deceased owner's car without probate when the estate is small.
A small estate affidavit is a sworn statement that lets heirs claim a deceased person’s property, including a vehicle, without going through probate court. States set their own value limits, waiting periods and forms, and some have a vehicle-specific version.
For families selling or junking an inherited car, it is often the fastest way to get the title into an heir’s name so it can be signed over.
California’s Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate (REG 5) can be signed by the heir once 40 days have passed since the registered owner’s death, and it cannot be used for vehicles not titled in California.1 Check your own state’s DMV for its form and estate limit.
References
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California DMV, Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual 11.065, “Estate Valued at $150,000 or Less”, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/transfers/estate-valued-at-or-less/ ↩