Signing Your California Vehicle Title
California titles are a little more hands-on than most. You’ll need a blue or black ink pen and two clean signatures. Make sure your name matches the title exactly. California does not play guessing games with handwriting.
Things That Will Void a California Title
- Signing in the wrong section
- Signature does not match your driver’s license
- Cross-outs, erasing, or trying to correct mistakes
- White-out or correction fluid
- Rips, tears, or heavy damage
- Tracing over signatures
- Using pencil or marker instead of ink
If any of these happen, the DMV will usually require a replacement title before the vehicle can be transferred.
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Where to Sign a California Title
California requires two seller signatures, and both are on the front of the title.
- Owner Signature: Located in the center of the title and labeled “Signature of Registered Owner.”
- Odometer Disclosure Signature: Located in the lower-left section and labeled “Transferor/Seller Signature.”
Both signatures are required. Missing one will delay the transfer.
Vehicles with Multiple Owners
More than one name on the title? The wording between names determines who must sign:
- AND – all owners must sign
- / – all owners must sign
- OR – one owner may sign
- AND/OR – one or more owners may be required to sign
When unsure, it’s safest to have everyone sign.
Titles Showing a Lienholder
If a lienholder is listed, the lien must be released before ownership can transfer.
- Lien release signature or stamp on the title
- Or an original lien release document from the lender
Without a lien release, the California DMV will not complete the transfer.
If the Vehicle Owner Is Deceased
- Joint ownership with survivorship requires a certified death certificate
-
Individual ownership requires legal documentation, such as:
- Executor or Administrator paperwork
- Surviving spouse documentation
- Next-of-kin authorization
Replacing a Lost or Damaged California Title
If your title is lost, stolen, voided, or damaged, California requires a replacement before selling the vehicle.
- Online or in person: typically 4 to 6 weeks
What you’ll need
- Completed (REG 227)
- $20 fee (cash, cashier’s check, or money order)
- Valid photo ID if applying in person
- Submit online or visit a local California DMV
After Selling Your Vehicle in California
Once the sale is done, there are a few final steps to protect yourself.
- Report the sale to the California DMV within 30 days
- Submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
How to Report the Sale
In Person
You may submit your Bill of Sale/Notice of Sale in person by visiting your local California tag agency.
By Mail
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269–0001
Online
Sales can also be reported through California’s online services.
Do I Keep My License Plates?
No. In California, license plates stay with the vehicle unless they are personalized plates, which must be removed by the seller.
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