Can I name a beneficiary on my California vehicle title?

Yes. California allows a transfer on death (tod) beneficiary (certificate of ownership held "in beneficiary form") on a vehicle title under Cal. Veh. Code §§ 4150.7, 5910.5 (vehicles); §§ 9852.7, 9916.5 (vessels). It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in California?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

State where the vehicle is titled

Find out if a vehicle TOD fits your situation

Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. California allows a transfer on death (tod) beneficiary (certificate of ownership held "in beneficiary form") on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

California allows a transfer on death (tod) beneficiary (certificate of ownership held "in beneficiary form") on vehicle subject to registration and undocumented vessel subject to registration. Vehicle TOD applies to vehicles subject to registration (VC 4150.7) and undocumented vessels subject to registration (VC 9852.7). Federally documented vessels are not covered by VC 9852.7.

Add the designation through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the standard title application. Notarization is not required.

You file the completed designation with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail to California DMV, Vehicle Registration Operations, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 or in person. Adding, changing, or deleting a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a title transaction: file by mail to Vehicle Registration Operations in Sacramento, or in person at a DMV field office. It cannot be completed through the standard online renewal portal.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In California: Sell the vehicle with proper assignment and delivery of the certificate of ownership to another person (VC 5910.5(b)(1))., Apply for a new certificate of ownership without a beneficiary designation, or designating a different beneficiary (VC 5910.5(b)(2))..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by submitting: The California Certificate of Title, on which the beneficiary signs the name of the registered owner and countersigns on line 1 (VC 5910.5(e) "The appropriate certificate of ownership"; DMV VIR Manual §11.170)., A Statement of Facts (REG 256), completed by the beneficiary stating the date and place of the owner's death and that they are entitled to the vehicle as the designated beneficiary (VC 5910.5(e); DMV VIR Manual §11.170). REG 256 is the at-death claim form, not a TOD designation form., A certificate of the death of the owner, if required by the department (VC 5910.5(e))., Applicable transfer fees (DMV VIR Manual §11.170 "A transfer fee... Refer to Appendix 1F for fees"; VC 5910.5(f) references "appropriate fees" for the transferee path).. A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in California

A vehicle transfer-on-death designation in California lets you name a beneficiary who receives your vehicle at death, bypassing probate for that vehicle (available in California: Yes). The designation has no effect during your lifetime: you remain the sole owner and can revoke it whenever you choose.

In California, the designation is made through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the standard title application. Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

California extends the designation beyond cars: it covers vehicle subject to registration and undocumented vessel subject to registration. Vehicle TOD applies to vehicles subject to registration (VC 4150.7) and undocumented vessels subject to registration (VC 9852.7). Federally documented vessels are not covered by VC 9852.7.

This designation is a focused tool — one vehicle at a time. For families with assets beyond a vehicle, a revocable living trust handles everything in one place and adds incapacity planning. The trust vs. will comparison shows the trade-offs.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

Cal. Veh. Code §§ 4150.7, 5910.5 (vehicles); §§ 9852.7, 9916.5 (vessels)

Data sourced from California statutes and official state code. How we research.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

New Baby or Adoption

Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.

Learn more