How to Remove a Name from a Car Title in California
Whether you're dealing with a divorce, the death of a co-owner, or a mutual agreement to change ownership, here is exactly how to remove a name from a vehicle title in California.
When You Can Remove a Name in California
California allows name removal from a vehicle title under several circumstances. The process and required documents differ based on the reason for the removal.
Process by Situation in California
The divorce decree or court order must specify who retains the vehicle. The party keeping the vehicle signs the back of the current title (if both names are on it) and submits REG 343 to the DMV naming only themselves as the new owner. If the other party is uncooperative, a court order directing the DMV to remove the name may be necessary.
When a co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the original title plus a certified copy of the death certificate to the California DMV. If the title uses "AND," the estate must be involved. If "OR," the surviving owner can typically re-title independently. Form REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) may be used for small estates.
Both co-owners sign the current title as sellers and a new title is issued to the sole remaining owner. The departing co-owner releases their interest by signing the back of the title. Submit REG 343 naming only the remaining owner.
Required Documents in California
- 1Current California title (signed by both co-owners, or court order)
- 2REG 343 (Application for Title) — single owner as recipient
- 3Government-issued ID for remaining owner
- 4Odometer disclosure (if applicable)
- 5Death certificate (if removing deceased co-owner) — certified copy
- 6Divorce decree (if court-ordered removal) — certified copy
When You Need a Court Order in California
A court order is needed when the co-owner refuses to cooperate with the name removal. In divorce, the final decree specifying ownership assignment can substitute for the co-owner's signature. For death, the probate court or small estate affidavit process applies.
California's process differs based on whether the title uses AND or OR. An "OR" title allows either owner to transact alone — the remaining owner can re-title without the other's signature in many cases. An "AND" title requires both signatures or a court order if one party is uncooperative.
California Name Removal FAQ
How do I remove an ex-spouse's name from a car title in California?
In California, The divorce decree or court order must specify who retains the vehicle. The party keeping the vehicle signs the back of the current title (if both names are on it) and submits REG 343 to the DMV naming only themselves as the new owner. If the other party is uncooperative, a court order directing the DMV to remove the name may be necessary.
How do I remove a deceased co-owner from a car title in California?
When a co-owner dies, the surviving owner submits the original title plus a certified copy of the death certificate to the California DMV. If the title uses "AND," the estate must be involved. If "OR," the surviving owner can typically re-title independently. Form REG 5 (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) may be used for small estates.
Can I remove a name from a car title by mutual agreement in California?
Both co-owners sign the current title as sellers and a new title is issued to the sole remaining owner. The departing co-owner releases their interest by signing the back of the title. Submit REG 343 naming only the remaining owner.
What documents are needed to remove a name from a car title in California?
Required: Current California title (signed by both co-owners, or court order); REG 343 (Application for Title) — single owner as recipient; Government-issued ID for remaining owner; Odometer disclosure (if applicable); Death certificate (if removing deceased co-owner) — certified copy; Divorce decree (if court-ordered removal) — certified copy.
When do I need a court order to remove a name from a car title in California?
A court order is needed when the co-owner refuses to cooperate with the name removal. In divorce, the final decree specifying ownership assignment can substitute for the co-owner's signature. For death, the probate court or small estate affidavit process applies.
How much does it cost to remove a name from a car title in California?
$21. Standard $21 California title fee applies. No additional fee for name removal.