REG 343 is California's form for transferring vehicle ownership when the registered owner has died

Form REG 343, officially called "process for Transfer of Deceased Owner's Interest in Vehicle," is the document you file with the California DMV when someone who owned a vehicle has passed away. It transfers the title from the deceased person's name to the heir, beneficiary, or estate representative who now owns the vehicle. You cannot straightforward change the name on the registration — you must use this specific form and follow the DMV's process for deceased owner transfers.

The form works differently depending on whether there is a will, whether the estate goes through probate court, and how much the vehicle is worth. Some transfers are straightforward and can be done without court involvement. Others require a court order or proof that probate is not necessary. The DMV will not process the transfer until you submit the correct supporting documents for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • REG 343 is required whenever a registered vehicle owner dies, regardless of whether the vehicle is being kept or sold.
  • You must submit the form along with a death certificate, the vehicle's title, and proof of your right to transfer ownership — the exact documents depend on whether probate is involved.
  • If the estate value is under $166,250, you may be able to transfer the vehicle without probate using a simplified process and an affidavit instead of a court order.
  • The person filing the form must be the legal heir, named beneficiary, executor, administrator, or conservator — not just any family member.
  • Processing time varies, but you should expect several weeks once the DMV receives a complete process.

Who can file REG 343 and what authority they need

Only certain people can legally file this form. You must be one of the following: the executor or administrator named in the will or appointed by probate court; the heir under California's intestacy law if there is no will; a named beneficiary in a trust or beneficiary deed; a conservator acting on behalf of the deceased's estate; or a surviving spouse or domestic partner with community property rights to the vehicle.

If the estate went through probate court, you will need a court order (called a "decree of distribution" or "order to transfer") showing that you have the legal right to the vehicle. If probate was not necessary, you will need an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury stating your relationship to the deceased and your right to the vehicle. The DMV will not accept the form from someone who cannot prove they have this authority.

Documents you must submit with the form

Every REG 343 process requires three core documents: the completed form itself, a certified copy of the death certificate, and the vehicle's current title (the pink slip or electronic title record). You must also submit proof of your authority to transfer the vehicle, which takes one of two forms depending on your situation.

If probate was filed, submit a certified copy of the court order granting you the right to transfer the vehicle. If probate was not necessary — which is common for vehicles worth less than $166,250 — submit a sworn affidavit (California Probate Code Section 13200 affidavit) stating that you are may have access to to the vehicle and that probate is not required. You may also need to provide your identification and proof of residency. The DMV website lists the exact documents for your specific situation; contact your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 if you are unsure which documents explore to you.

When probate is required versus when it is not

Probate is a court process that validates a will and distributes the deceased person's assets. It is required if the estate is large, if there is a will that needs to be proved, or if heirs disagree about who owns what. However, California law allows small estates to skip probate entirely. If the total value of the deceased person's assets is under $166,250 and there is no will, or if the vehicle is held in a living trust, you can transfer it without going to court.

For vehicles under the small-estate threshold, you file the affidavit with the REG 343 instead of a court order. This process is faster and costs less, but you must truthfully state that probate is not necessary. If the estate is larger or if there is a contested will, probate must be completed first, and you cannot file REG 343 until you have the court's written order. Some vehicles may be held in a trust or may have a beneficiary designation, which also bypasses probate — check the title to see if either applies.

How to submit REG 343 to the DMV

You can submit the form and supporting documents by mail, in person at any DMV office, or through the mail-in service if you are using a probate court order. Mail your completed form, death certificate, title, and proof of authority to the DMV address listed on the form instructions. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you are submitting. Keep copies of everything for your records.

If you submit by mail, allow 4 to 8 weeks for processing. If you go in person, you can often get an answer the same day about whether your documents are complete, though the actual title transfer may take additional time. Some counties have probate courts that can mail documents directly to the DMV on your behalf, which can speed up the process. Ask the probate court clerk or your attorney whether this option is available in your county.

What happens after you file and what to expect next

Once the DMV receives your complete process, they will review it to confirm that all required documents are present and that your authority to transfer the vehicle is valid. If anything is missing or unclear, they will send you a notice asking for additional information. This is why keeping your phone number and address current is important — you need to receive their requests promptly.

If everything is in order, the DMV will process the transfer and issue a new title in the new owner's name. The vehicle registration will also be updated. You will receive a notice confirming the transfer, and the new owner can then register the vehicle, sell it, or take any other action as the legal owner. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lender's name will remain on the title until the loan is paid off, even after the ownership transfer is complete.

Common reasons the DMV rejects or delays REG 343

The most common reason for rejection is a missing or incomplete death certificate. The DMV requires a certified copy — a photocopy or uncertified version will not be accepted. Another frequent issue is submitting an affidavit when a probate court order was actually required, or vice versa. If the estate value is unclear or if there is any question about whether probate should have been filed, the DMV may ask for clarification or a letter from the probate court.

Delays also happen when the title itself has a problem — for example, if the deceased owner's name on the title does not match the death certificate exactly, or if there are multiple owners and only one has died. If the vehicle has an outstanding loan or lien, the lender's consent may be needed. If you are unsure whether your situation is straightforward, contact the DMV before submitting to avoid a rejection that will add weeks to the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file REG 343?

No, you can file it yourself if you have the correct documents and understand your legal authority to transfer the vehicle. However, if the estate is complicated, if there is a will dispute, or if you are unsure whether probate is required, consulting a probate attorney can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Many attorneys offer flat fees for this type of work.

What if the vehicle title is lost or damaged?

You can request a duplicate title from the DMV before filing REG 343. Submit form REG 160 (process for Duplicate Title) along with the death certificate and proof of ownership. Once you receive the duplicate, use it with your REG 343 process. This adds time to the overall process, so request the duplicate as soon as possible.

Can I sell the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?

No. The title must be transferred to your name first, and then you can sell it. A buyer will not accept a vehicle with a title in a deceased person's name. Once the DMV issues the new title to you, you can sign it over to the buyer when ready.

What if there are multiple heirs and we disagree about who gets the vehicle?

That is a probate court matter, not a DMV matter. The court will decide who owns the vehicle, and then that person files REG 343. If you cannot agree, you will need to go through probate court or mediation to resolve the dispute before anyone can transfer the title.

How long does the entire process take from death to new title?

If probate is not required and you have all documents ready, the DMV can process REG 343 in 4 to 8 weeks. If probate is required, add the time for the court process, which typically takes 6 to 12 months depending on the county and complexity. If there are disputes or missing documents, the timeline extends further.