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How do I prepare my California title?
How do I prepare my California title?

Instructions on preparing a California (CA) title

Updated over 9 months ago

Your title is a legal document. Incorrectly completing your title may void it, requiring you to obtain a duplicate copy. Please read all of the instructions and tips before signing your title.

Don't void your title

  • Use black or blue pen, only

  • Don't use a highlighter or white-out

  • No strikethroughs, write-overs, scribbles, or tears

  • Do not sign in the Dealer Reassignment section, unless you're an authorized dealer

**If your title design varies from the image shown below, review your title carefully before proceeding. While the signature name fields may be in a different location, you will still need to sign your name in the appropriate areas.**

The person(s) named on the front of the title must follow these steps:

  1. Sign the front of the title on line 1a where it reads "SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED OWNER" exactly as your name appears on the front of the title.

    1. The co-owner will sign line 1b.

  2. Sign below the odometer section of the title where it reads "TRANSFEROR/SELLER SIGNATURE(S)."

    1. All owners will sign in the same box.

  3. Print names on the front of the title where it reads "PRINTED NAME OF SELLER OR AGENT SIGNING FOR A COMPANY."

    1. All owners will sign in the same box.

  4. If there's a lien listed on the title, it must be released on line 2 of the title, or accompanied by a separate notarized lien release letter. Review this article if you need help determining whether there is a lien on your title.

Signature Tips

The name(s) used to sign the title must exactly match the name(s) shown on the title. If you have changed your name since the title was issued, do not sign with your new name. Go ahead and sign with the name shown on the title. 

If there are two owners on the title, one or both must sign depending on how the names appear in the title. 

  • Owner 1 OR Owner 2 - Only ONE owner must sign

  • Owner 1 AND/OR Owner 2 - BOTH owners must sign (unless one is deceased)

  • Owner 1 AND Owner 2 - BOTH owners must sign

  • Owner 1 Owner 2 (No conjunction) - BOTH owners must sign

Don't worry about the Buyer line, you should leave that blank.

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