Title Transfer of a car after parent passed?
Posted by Grim_Reafer@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 6 comments
So my dad passed away in February, and ive been living with him for the last 6 years but im the youngest between me and my sister so she is technically the heir or next of kin. I kinda depend on being the vehicle as my transportation since i came here to help him and planned on moving back to where i was before coming to my dads. My sister has no interest in claiming the vehicle and is okay with it going to me especially since we both already know that our dad was keeping it for it to go to me. however he never got around to getting a will made. Before he passed he bought her a vehicle so his car he was keeping as one to give to me. How do i go about getting it transferred over to me being im the only one actually here in the state he and i reside while my sister is in another state? Would a letter stating she has no protest to a transfer to me be sufficient and if so how would one format that letter to get notarized to make it official? If not, what do i need to do?
Careless-Internet-63@reddit
What state are you in and did he have a will?
Grim_Reafer@reddit (OP)
No will and in California
Careless-Internet-63@reddit
Property is divided equally among children if someone dies intestate (without a will) in California. Get a death certificate and go to the DMV with your siblings if possible
ajkimmins@reddit
Should check, but probably just take the death certificate to the DMV.
EventHorizonHotel@reddit
I am not a lawyer but have been through several estate situations as an executor.
There can be some complexity if he had other assets that weren’t left directly via a beneficiary or transfer on death designation - house for example or bank accounts without a beneficiary. Above a certain dollar amount would need to go through the probate process, along with the car. But below a certain amount, that can be bypassed.
Both you and your sister are heirs, assuming your dad wasn’t married.
If it is just the car, it looks like there is a form you can use in California - Reg 5. It might be a good idea to have your sister state that she is disclaiming any interest in the car and have it notarized. Then you can fill out the form and have the car transferred to you.
As I said, not a lawyer so I’m just giving you something to do some additional research on.
Grim_Reafer@reddit (OP)
BTW the car in question is a 2023 Dodge Challenger Widebody Scat Pack Octane Red