I know what it’s like to lose a loved one, so I want to be straightforward with you — this is a sensitive topic and I treat it that way. If you inherited a vehicle and you’re not sure what to do with it, I’m here to help. Whether you want to sell it, keep it, or just need someone to walk you through the DMV process, call me at (714) 900-3723. I’m Sonny Miller with GoCarBuyer.com.
The Paperwork Can Feel Overwhelming Right Now
When someone passes away and leaves behind a vehicle, the last thing the family wants to deal with is DMV paperwork. But California requires specific forms to transfer or sell an inherited vehicle, and it’s confusing if you’ve never been through it before.
The main form you’ll need is the REG 256 — Statement of Facts. This is the California DMV form used to document the transfer of a vehicle after the registered owner passes away. It covers the relationship between you and the deceased, the circumstances of the transfer, and establishes your legal claim to the vehicle.
Depending on the situation, you might also need additional documents — a death certificate, the original title if it’s available, or probate paperwork if the estate is going through that process. Every family’s situation is a little different, and I’ve walked people through all of them.
I’ll Walk You Through It — Even If You Don’t Want to Sell
This is important. You don’t have to sell the vehicle to get my help. If you inherited your grandpa’s truck or your parent’s car and you want to keep it, I’ll still walk you through the DMV steps over the phone — what forms to file, where to go, what to bring. No charge, no strings attached. I just want to help because I know how difficult this time already is.
But if selling the vehicle is the right move for your family, I make that simple too. I come to wherever the car is, bring all the proper paperwork, and handle everything so you don’t have to set foot in the DMV. You get paid the same day — cash, check, or Zelle.
Common Situations I See with Inherited Vehicles
Every family’s situation looks a little different. Here are the most common scenarios people call me about:
The title is in the deceased’s name and you have it: This is the most straightforward scenario. With the title, a death certificate, and the REG 256, we can handle the transfer on the spot.
The title is missing entirely: Not a problem. I deal with missing titles every single day. Between the REG 256 and the REG 227, we can work through this without you having to figure it out alone.
The estate is going through probate: This takes longer, but it’s still doable. If the court has appointed an executor or administrator, that person can authorize the sale. I’ll work with whatever timeline the estate requires.
The car has been sitting for months or years: Maybe the vehicle sat in the garage or driveway after your loved one passed and nobody dealt with it. Now the registration is expired, the battery is dead, or it won’t start. None of that matters — I buy vehicles in any condition and I handle the towing if needed.
How I Handle Inherited Vehicle Purchases
My process is built around making this as easy as possible for the family. Here’s what it looks like:
You call me and tell me the situation. I ask a few questions about the vehicle and the paperwork you have. Then I give you a fair offer based on the car’s condition — not a lowball because I know you’re going through a tough time. If the offer works, I come to you with all the forms, handle the transfer, and pay you on the spot.
I cover all of Southern California — from our Van Nuys office serving the Valley and LA to our Cypress office covering Orange County and south. Wherever the vehicle is, I’ll come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a car I inherited in California?
Yes. California allows the transfer and sale of inherited vehicles using the REG 256 Statement of Facts form along with supporting documents like a death certificate. I handle all of this paperwork for you when I come to pick up the vehicle.
What is the REG 256 form?
It’s the California DMV Statement of Facts form used to document the transfer of a vehicle after the registered owner passes away. It establishes your relationship to the deceased and your legal claim to the vehicle. I bring this form with me and help you fill it out correctly.
What if I don’t have the title for the inherited vehicle?
That’s very common with inherited vehicles. Between the REG 256 and the REG 227 application for duplicate title, we can work through it. I handle missing title situations every day — it won’t stop the sale.
What if the car has been sitting and won’t start?
That happens a lot when a vehicle sits after someone passes. Maybe the battery died, the gas went bad, or the registration lapsed. None of that disqualifies the car. I buy vehicles in any condition and handle towing if the car can’t move.
Do I have to go to the DMV?
No. I bring every form you need and handle the entire process at your location. You don’t wait in line, you don’t fill out anything at the DMV counter. I take care of it all.
What if I want to keep the car — can you still help?
Absolutely. Call me and I’ll walk you through exactly what forms to file and where to go. No charge and no obligation. I’m happy to help even if there’s no sale involved.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Losing someone is hard enough. Dealing with their vehicle shouldn’t add to that burden. Whether you need to sell it, keep it, or just want someone to answer your questions about the process — I’m here. Call me anytime.
Sonny Miller — (714) 900-3723
GoCarBuyer.com
Cypress Office: 10601 Walker St Suite 102, Cypress, CA 90630
Van Nuys Office: 6360 Van Nuys Blvd #16, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Open 8 AM – 8 PM, 7 Days a Week — Find Us on Google Maps
