Guide to E-Filing for Deceased Vehicle Owners in California

If you are looking to e-file a vehicle title transfer after the previous owner has passed away, this article will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation required. This process is particularly relevant when a family member, such as a daughter, is signing on behalf of the deceased owner.

Required Documents

Before initiating the e-filing process, ensure that you have gathered the following essential documents:

• California Title: The original title of the vehicle must be available for transfer.
• SIGNED REG5 Form: Complete and sign a REG5 form (Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title). This form can typically be found on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or at your local DMV office.
• Death Certificate: A certified copy of the death certificate is required to verify that the previous owner has indeed passed away.

No Power of Attorney Needed

You do not need to provide a Power of Attorney (POA) document in this situation. As long as you are an immediate family member acting on behalf of the deceased owner, you can proceed without it. However, having all other documentation ready will facilitate smoother processing.

The E-Filing Process

1. Create an Account: If you're new to e-filing with California DMV services, start by creating an account on their official website.
2. Select 'Title Transfer': Navigate through options until you find ‘Title Transfer’ related to deceased owners.
3. Upload Required Documents: Follow prompts to upload your California title, signed REG5 form, and death certificate during your application submission.
4. Review & Submit: This step allows you to double-check all information entered before submitting your application for review by DMV officials.

Additonal Tips

• If possible, contact your local DMV office ahead of time for any specific requirements they may have regarding electronic submissions related to deceased owners.
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