How to Register a Gifted or Inherited Vehicle in California (2026 Guide)
If someone gives you a car as a gift, you skip the smog check as long as you're close family, like a parent, child, sibling, spouse, grandparent, or grandchild. You still need to fill out the paperwork and pay a small transfer fee. Inherited cars work differently, depending on whether the estate went through probate.
Getting a car from a family member, whether it's a gift or something you inherited, isn't quite the same as buying one. The DMV treats these differently, and honestly, in some ways it's easier. Here's what actually happens.
If Someone Gave You a Car as a Gift
The First thing you must know is that if the car came from a close family member, you don't need a smog check. That's a real rule, and a lot of people don't realize it applies to them.
This exemption covers:
- Parent to child (or child to parent)
- Grandparent to grandchild (or the reverse)
- Between siblings
- Between spouses or domestic partners
If that is your situation, the following is what you do
- Get the title signed over to you - The person giving you the car needs to sign it over as a gift. On the bill of sale, write $0 or just "gift" and don't put a dollar amount that isn't real.
- Skip the smog check - As long as it's one of the family relationships above, smog checking is not necessary at the time of transfer.
- You won't owe use tax - Since no money changed hands, there's no sales tax or use tax on a genuine family gift.
- Bring your paperwork to the DMV - You'll need the signed title, a completed REG 343 form, proof of insurance, and a simple statement saying the vehicle was a gift.
That's really it. So, a gifted vehicle is one of the easier registrations you can be in
If You Inherited a Vehicle
If you have inherited a vehicle, registering it depends on how the estate was handled. Meaning it depends on the various situations
- If there was a will and it went through probate, then the executor of the estate can transfer the title using the court's probate order. That paperwork from the court is what the DMV needs to see.
- If the estate was small, California has a shortcut for smaller estates. You may be able to use a form called REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) instead of going through the full probate process. This works for estates under a certain value threshold, so it won't apply to every situation.
- If it's complicated. Meaning multiple people inheriting the same car, there's still a loan on it, or there's a trust involved — this isn't something to guess your way through. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before you do anything. They'll tell you exactly which path applies to your case.
Documents required to Register a Gifted or Inherited Vehicle in California
Whether it's a gift or an inheritance, bring these to the DMV:
- The signed title (or probate documents / REG 5, if inherited)
- Completed REG 343 form
- Proof of California insurance
- A written statement that it was a gift (if applicable)
- Valid California driver's license or ID
Common Mistakes People Make Here
These are the errors that send people back to the DMV for a second visit — or worse, cost them money they didn't need to spend.
- Putting a fake sale price on the bill of sale -If it's really a gift, write "gift" or $0. Writing a dollar amount just because you think it looks more official can actually create tax problems for you.
- Assuming all family transfers are smog-exempt -The exemption is specific: parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner. A gift from an aunt, uncle, or cousin doesn't qualify. Check that your relationship is actually on the list before you skip the smog check.
- Not calling ahead for inheritance cases -If there's any complexity — a lien, multiple heirs, no clear will — you'll save yourself a wasted trip by calling 1-800-777-0133 first and asking what to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as long as the gift is between parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, or spouses/domestic partners. Gifts from other relatives or friends don't qualify for this exemption..
No. If it's a genuine gift with no money exchanged, there's no use tax or sales tax owed.
It depends on the estate. If it went through probate, the executor transfers the title using the court order. For smaller estates, you may be able to use Form REG 5 instead. If it's complicated, call the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133.
REG 5 is the Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate. It lets you transfer a vehicle title without going through the full probate court process, but only if the estate is under a certain value.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements at dmv.ca.gov before your appointment.